Pneumonia Vaccination Recommended for Smokers

Did you know a smoker is more susceptible to pneumonia than those who don’t smoke? While it is not known exactly why smokers are more susceptible to contracting pneumonia, doctors and researchers feel it is from lung damage caused from smoking that allows bacteria to more easily attach to the lungs and windpipe. A smoker's odds of contracting pneumonia increases the more cigarettes that are smoked. Chris Allen, a CDC spokesman said about half of the pneumococcal disease cases are cigarette smokers. Which is why the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has, for the first time, recommended that adult smokers be vaccinated for a pneumonia-causing germ. This would be the first vaccine recommendation directed specifically to smokers, if the recommendation is accepted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. It usually follows an infection of the nose and throat and is diagnosed by a physical examination and could include a check X-ray, blood test and even a culture of mucus produced by coughing. Usually pneumonia is treated through oral antibiotics administered at home, but sometimes pneumonia patients with high fevers and respiratory distress are hospitalized for treatment. Pneumonia deaths could be greatly reduced through vaccinations in those more susceptible. The recommended vaccine protects against pneumonia, meningitis and other fatal infections.

The ACIP group is recommending any smoker 18 to 64 years old receive the vaccine. The CDC currently recommends anyone over 65 or those with long-term health conditions, children younger than two or older children with chronic medical conditions receive the vaccine. With more than one-fifth of the United States adults smoking, this new recommendation affects 31 million Americans. The vaccine would be given to smokers once with no booster. However, the protection seems to drop from five to ten years following vaccination.

The flu and pneumonia season is almost here. If you are one of the many who fall in the category currently recommended by the CDC to receive a flu or pneumonia shot, or a smoker, make sure to get your immunizations. Get them now before it is too late.