Did you know?
Influenza and pneumococcal disease are responsible for 20,000 to 40,000 deaths each year. These diseases are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

More than 2,500 North Carolinians died of influenza and pneumonia. Of those who died 89 percent were 65 years old and older. Many people were hospitalized because of complications or more serious illnesses resulting from the flu. Many of these deaths and hospitalizations could have been prevented by vaccinations against flu and pneumonia.

The flu shot will NOT give you the flu. You may get a sore arm and a mild fever and achiness for one to two days; this is NOT the flu. You need to get a flu shot every year. These are available October through December. Pneumonia shots are needed only once every five to 10 years and can be given any time of the year.

Senior Vaccination Season
This program began in Mecklenburg County in 1994 as a cooperative effort of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, the Mecklenburg County Health Department, the American Lung Association, Community Health Services and other agencies. These groups continue to work toward promoting flu (influenza) and pneumonia vaccinations to the general public, especially the senior population, who are most susceptible to severe illnesses from these serious infections. In 1997, the project expanded to include all 100 counties in North Carolina.

Who should get the flu and pneumonia shots?

		Anyone age 65 or older.
		People of any age with chronic illnesses or diseases which impair the immune system.
		People living in the same home as a susceptible senior or chronically ill patient should receive a flu shot.

Who should NOT get the flu shot?

		People who have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past
		People who are allergic to eggs
		People who are acutely ill with fever or who have ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome

Who should NOT get the pneumonia shot?

		People who have gotten the pneumonia shot in the last five years.
		People who are acutely ill with fever.

What is the cost?

		Medicare Part B and Medicaid pay all of the cost of the flu and pneumonia vaccines. If you have either Medicare Part B or Medicaid, you will have no out-of-pocket expenses for these vaccines.
		If you do not have Medicare Part B or Medicaid, go to your personal physician, health department or Community Health Services. Modest charges will apply.

Where can I get the shots?

		Your personal physician's office
		Your local county health department
		Community Health Services, 1401 E. 7th Street, Phone 704-375-0172
		Designated sites set up for fall vaccine campaign.
		Church congregations may host vaccination programs.
		Most senior centers and hot meal programs

Please carefully consider all the benefits of these vaccines. Taking a flu and pneumonia shot can help protect your health during the winter flu season.

For more information about Senior Vaccination Season sites and times, contact the American Lung Association at 1-800-892-5654. Also, view the Mecklenburg County Medical Society's Web site, www.meckmed.org, for a listing of sites, dates and times.