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Source: http://www.vancouversun.com/health/...t+addition+vaccine+experts/2053552/story.html
Canadians should consider pneumonia shot in addition to vaccine, experts say
By Meagan Fitzpatrick, Canwest News ServiceOctober 1, 2009
Public health officials issued a call Wednesday for at-risk Canadians to consider getting another flu-related vaccine this fall, this one to protect them from the bacteria that causes common complications of the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses.
Pneumococcus is the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis, bronchitis and other illnesses and infections that most often surface in very young children, the elderly and certain high-risk groups. They commonly coincide with influenza viruses.
A report released Wednesday in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that nearly one-third of 77 patients who died from H1N1 had a co-infection with pneumococcus and that it likely contributed to their death. The CDC said the findings underscore the importance of pneumococcal vaccination for those at increased risk of infection. Canadian health officials echoed that message in their weekly news conference.
"It is important," chief public health officer Dr. David Butler-Jones said.
Canadians should consider pneumonia shot in addition to vaccine, experts say
By Meagan Fitzpatrick, Canwest News ServiceOctober 1, 2009
Public health officials issued a call Wednesday for at-risk Canadians to consider getting another flu-related vaccine this fall, this one to protect them from the bacteria that causes common complications of the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses.
Pneumococcus is the bacteria responsible for pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis, bronchitis and other illnesses and infections that most often surface in very young children, the elderly and certain high-risk groups. They commonly coincide with influenza viruses.
A report released Wednesday in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that nearly one-third of 77 patients who died from H1N1 had a co-infection with pneumococcus and that it likely contributed to their death. The CDC said the findings underscore the importance of pneumococcal vaccination for those at increased risk of infection. Canadian health officials echoed that message in their weekly news conference.
"It is important," chief public health officer Dr. David Butler-Jones said.