The vaccine isn't perfect at preventing all symptoms in all people, but it's good at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death.
Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in Nebraska.
People with special health problems such as heart or lung disease, alcoholism, kidney failure, diabetes , HIV infection, or certain types of cancer are at greater risk and should be immunized. Most healthy adults who get the vaccine develop protection within two to three weeks of getting the shot. Consult your health care provider, local health department, or local hospital to find out where these shots are given. Both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia shots may be covered by Medicare .