By Julie Stachowiak, PhD
Multiple Sclerosis Guide; Guest blogger
There seems to be some debate about the role of bacterial pneumonia in the deaths of people from H1N1 (swine flu). However, a recent study by the CDC (released in the September 29 MMWR) shows that bacterial pneumonia was present in 22 of 77 (29%) patients when a postmortem lung sample was examined. Of these 22 people, 15 of them had indications that they should have had the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Although there was no data about their vaccination status available, they probably had not had the vaccine, as studies show that only 16% of people for whom this vaccine is recommended actually get it.
It is possible that PPSV23 vaccine could have prevented these deaths. Here are the groups for whom that vaccine is recommended:
- People age 65 years and older
- People (older than 2 years) who have chronic illnesses, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease, such as congestive heart failure
- Chronic pulmonary disease, like COPD or emphysema, but not asthma
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Chronic liver disease
- CSF leaks
- People (older than 2 years) who have asplenia, meaning that they have sickle cell disease or have had their spleen removed
- People (older than 2 years) who are living in "special environments or social settings," which is a little unclear, but includes Alaskan Natives and certain American Indians, as well as residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities; does NOT include healthy children attending day care
- Immunocompromised people (older than 2 years), which basically includes people with HIV, some different cancers (like leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease), renal or kidney failure, people who have received transplants and people on immunosuppressant medications (such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids)
If you fall into any of these groups, do not take any chances. Get your PPSV23 (pneumococcal vaccine) and protect yourself from pneumonia. If you (or your child) have gotten it in the past, ask your doctor about when you need to be revaccinated, as this varies by age and condition.
