Influenza (Flu) Vaccines
Influenza is a contagious disease and it can be serious. A yearly seasonal flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza.
Sequoia Medical Group has influenza (or flu) vaccines available. Patients over 65 or those with chronic illness should be sure to get vaccinated, though all patients are welcome to get the vaccine. The vaccine is a not a live virus and cannot give you an infection. Uncommon side effects include a sore arm or low grade fever. Patients with egg allergy or previous reaction to the vaccine should not be immunized.
This seasonal vaccine will not protect you against H1N1 (also known as the “swine flu”). A new vaccine against 2009 H1N1 is being made. People at greatest risk for 2009 H1N1 infection include children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease.
Call your Sequoia Medical Group doctor today at 650.596.7000 to schedule your flu shot vaccine appointment, and ask if you should receive a 2009 H1N1 vaccination.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Who should get a pneumococcal vaccination? According to the National Institute on Aging, everyone age 65 and older should get the pneumococcal vaccine. Some younger people should get it also. The U.S. Public Health Service, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and the American Lung Association also recommend that all people age 65 and older get this vaccine.
Ask your doctor for the vaccine if you are age 65 or older, have a chronic illness, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, or have a weak immune system due to kidney disease, cancer, HIV infection, organ transplant medicine or other disease.
What is pneumococcal pneumonia? There are two main kinds of pneumonia: viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is the most serious. In older people, this type of pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization and death. Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria that can attack different parts of the body, such as the lungs (pneumonia), blood cells (bacteremia) and the brain (meningitis).
Can pneumococcal pneumonia be prevented? Yes. The pneumococcal vaccine is safe and one shot lasts most people a lifetime. People who get the vaccine are protected against almost all of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases as well. The shot, which is covered by Medicare, can be a lifesaver. A recent, large study by the National Institutes of Health shows that the vaccine prevents most cases of pneumococcal pneumonia.
This Web site and its health-related information and resources are NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians. Access to and use of these and any other Web sites, including the information, services, products, materials and any other resources contained on them, are solely at the user's own risk and are subject to all additional disclaimers and caveats that may appear throughout the Web site, including the privacy notices and terms of conditions.. Please consult your healthcare provider before undertaking any form of medical treatment, exercise program or dietary changes.
