National Immunization Awareness Month

Do you talk to your doctor every year about receiving your annual flu shot? How about asking your doctor if a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine is right for you? According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 adults in the United States die from vaccine preventable infectious diseases every year.

For patients with COPD, asthma, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, it is especially important to protect themselves with annual vaccinations. For those living with COPD, the risk for contracting pneumococcal pneumonia is 7.7 times higher than their healthy counterparts. Even mild symptoms of the flu or pneumonia in COPD patients can quickly lead to exacerbations, inflammation of airways, and the development of other serious respiratory illnesses.

How do vaccines work? Vaccines teach and strengthen your body’s immune system, by mimicking a natural infection through a weakened virus being introduced. Vaccines provide one of the best and safest ways for you to protect your health, especially as flu season comes around the corner.

How do I find recommended vaccines for my age? The Centers for Disease Control provides in depth vaccine recommendations here which will be varied by age and chronic disease. Your primary care doctor will also be able to provide you with guidance on what vaccinations may be most appropriate for you based on your individual health. Get vaccinated today for a healthier tomorrow!