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Flu Vaccine Shortage Makes Pneumococcal Shot
Critically Important for Maryland Seniors
Delmarva Foundation Urges Residents to Get Immunized

Easton, MD, December 27, 2005 - As the winter season officially arrives, Delmarva Foundation, Medicare’s Quality Improvement Organization in Maryland, reminds all residents about the importance of keeping up to date on important immunizations such as the flu and pneumococcal shot. Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common form of pneumonia. Marylanders can protect themselves from this disease with proper immunization.

“Pneumococcal disease is a common bacterial infection that can be a complication of influenza, especially in older adults,” said Michael Tooke, MD, Medical Director, Delmarva Foundation. “Recent studies indicate that 36,000 people in this country die from influenza-related complications such as pneumonia each year. In 2002, nearly 600 District and Maryland residents died from the disease.” Although influenza and pneumococcal disease can be deadly, Tooke said that preventive measures such as the vaccine can prove to be highly effective protection from both of these diseases.

The current vaccines available to prevent influenza and pneumococcal disease are safe, effective, and fully covered under Medicare’s Part B benefit. While shortages of the flu vaccine still exist, some providers have received additional supplies of the vaccine. There are currently no reported shortages of the pneumococcal vaccine.

According to Tooke, plenty of pneumococcal vaccine is available. “Marylanders should call their healthcare providers and ask if they need a pneumococcal shot,” said Tooke. “If you are unable to find a flu shot, it is even more critical that you receive the pneumococcal vaccine because if you do develop influenza, a pneumococcal vaccination may give you protection against one of its most frequent complications.”

Delmarva offers the following information about the flu and pneumococcal vaccines.

• While the best time to get a flu shot is in early October or November of each year, before the beginning of the flu season, it is never too late to be protected! You are protected about two weeks after receiving the shot and your protection should last about a year.
• You can get your pneumococcal shot any time during the year. This shot begins protecting you within two to three weeks. Ask your provider to give you this shot at the same time you get your flu shot.
• No matter where you get your immunizations, Medicare will pay for them if you are a beneficiary. You can get your shots at your regular doctor’s office or at a community health clinic. If you are a resident at a nursing home or assisted living facility, ask someone at your facility about what programs they have to offer residents a flu and pneumococcal shot. Many pharmacies and supermarkets also have special programs to offer these shots.
• If you are aged 50 or older, you should get a flu shot every year for protection. Those with heart or lung diseases, kidney disease or blood disorders should get the shot regardless of their age.
• Other high-risk groups that are urged to get their shot include: all children aged 6–23 months; adults aged 65 years and older; all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; children aged 6 months–18 years on chronic aspirin therapy; healthcare workers involved in direct patient care; and out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged less than 6 months
• Most seniors 65 and older need only one pneumococcal vaccination in their lifetime; a booster shot may be required for those who received their shot before the age of 65.

“Getting a flu and pneumoccocal shot can play a major role in keeping Maryland residents healthy during what is expected to be a difficult flu season,” said Tooke. “Delmarva urges all Maryland seniors to take advantage of their Medicare Part B benefit that covers these immunizations.”

For more information on the pneumococcal shot, see: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/vis-ppv.pdf or visit www.delmarvafoundation.org

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About Delmarva Foundation
Delmarva Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality in over 20 states. Since 1973, Delmarva has assisted in improving care in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, medical practices and health plans. Delmarva performs quality improvement, quality assurance, utilization review, external quality review and Program Safeguard activities. The company's corporate headquarters are located in Easton, Maryland with other offices in Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, DC; Columbia, South Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and Tallahassee, Florida. For more information, please visit Delmarva Foundation on the web at www.delmarvafoundation.org.