In addition to the flu vaccine, the province is again providing the pneumococcal vaccine. Last year, it was added to the province's immunization program for seniors. The program was expanded in April 1998 to include all Nova Scotians under 65 who have at risk conditions that would increase the risk of pneumonia conditions. People at risk include those with chronic heart and lung disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, HIV-AIDS infection or other disease of the immune system, chronic liver disease and alcoholism. One injection of this vaccine is generally good for life.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a bacterial infection of the lungs.
It causes fever, chills, cough and soreness in the chest and back. Some people develop serious illness and require hospitalization. The bacteria spreads from person to person from discharges from the mouth and nose. The flu and the pneumococcal vaccination are available free of charge to adults 65 years of age and older and to children and adults who are in the high risk groups. The flu vaccine is available to others for a small fee.