WeHa Seniors Urged To Get Pneumonia Vaccines

West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District

WEST HARTFORD/BLOOMFIELD, CT — Seniors are being told they are eligible for a vaccine that could help them stay healthy and avoid serious illness ... or worse.

And, the vaccine isn't Covid.

The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District said the "pneumococcal vaccine" (PCV20) is available for individuals age 65 and older who have not received any previous pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations.

Thehealth department offers this vaccine by appointment at its office in Bloomfield.

The vaccine is covered by Medicare, so there is no out-of-pocket charge to residents.

Health department officials said there are many reasons this vaccine is necessary for many seniors:

• Infections are caused by the bacterium streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning(sepsis) and meningitis.

• The vaccine encourages the body to produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to neutralize or destroy disease carrying organisms.

• It is a single dose vaccine that protects against 20 strains of pneumoniae.

• The vaccine is inactivated , means it does not contain live organisms.

Individuals 19-64 years old who have received previous pneumococcal vaccines or who are at higher risk should consult with their primary care provider to determine which of the pneumonia vaccines they should receive and when.

Call the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District for an appointment at 860-561-7900.

For more information on the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, located at 580 Cottage Grove Road, Suite 100, Bloomfield, click on this link.