The Fidelis Care Blog

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by different germs (bacteria and viruses) and can affect people of all ages. It is particularly dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with weak immune systems. Pneumonia can cause serious health problems and even death. 

Each year, more than 1 million people are hospitalized for pneumonia in the United States, and 50,000 people die of pneumonia in the U.S. every year.
The good news is there are vaccines that can help prevent pneumonia and its complications.

The “pneumococcal” vaccine is designed to protect against a common bacteria that causes pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae. There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccines. Your doctor or pharmacist will know which is best for you. The pneumococcal vaccine does not provide complete protection. It only protects against the most common cases of pneumonia. It is still possible to get pneumonia from other bacteria or viruses. However, getting vaccinated reduces your risk of getting pneumonia. 

There are other vaccines that can help protect you against other causes of pneumonia. The flu virus (“influenza”) can cause pneumonia. Getting the flu vaccine every year can help protect you from getting pneumonia caused by the flu. Last year’s flu shot won’t protect you during this year’s flu season, so get a new flu shot every fall. COVID-19 (the “coronavirus”) can also cause pneumonia. Get vaccinated for COVID-19, and get a COVID booster shot every year.

Vaccination is a simple process. It is usually given as a shot in the arm or leg. Some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fever, or fatigue. These side effects usually go away within a few days and are not serious. 

Fidelis Care pays for vaccines to help Fidelis Care and Wellcare By Fidelis Care members stay healthy. Wellcare Fidelis Dual Plus members can use their transportation benefit to get to a doctor or pharmacy to get vaccinated.

Additional Resources
https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/top-pneumonia-facts.pdf