Symptoms of meningitis include stiff neck, fever, mental confusion, disorientation and sometimes an inability to look directly at a light source because of pain. Symptoms of pneumococcal bacteremia may include a combination of pneumonia, meningitis, arthritis and fever. All adults over age 65 should get the vaccine, and anyone over age 2 who has chronic health problems should also be vaccinated. The potential side effects are mild. You may get a red, sore spot where the shot was given, and a small number of people receiving the shot develop mild flu-like symptoms as a result.
Serious complications are extremely rare.
If you're not yet convinced that this vaccination is something you should pursue, consider what other experts have to say. The real motivator, however, should be your commitment to good health. That's something to fight for, so don't be a victim. Take Your Best Shot. New Jersey Hospital Association 760 Alexander Rd.