The Daily Dispatch

Twin Town residents may be needing more than a seasonal or H1N1 vaccination, said Richland County Health Department officials Wednesday.

The department is encouraging individuals, especially aged 65 and older, to receive the vaccination for pneumonia in order to help prevent a further infection if the seasonal or H1N1 flu is contracted.

"The flu predisposes people to pneumonia," said Pat Giese, Richland County Health Department nursing director. "It certainly is a risk and complication of the seasonal flu and H1N1."

According to Deb Flack, Richland County Health Department director, during each of the influenza pandemics of the 20th century, secondary bacterial pneumonia was a recurring cause of illness and death.

Pneumococcal pneumonia kills approximately 1 out of 20 who contract the virus.

"Recently, pneumococcal infections have been identified as an important complication in severe and fatal cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection," Flack said in an official health department news release. "A key difference between this year's flu season and those of the past is that now we have two pneumococcal vaccines that may help to prevent these infections."

Other than the elderly, infants and people with certain health conditions, such as a weakened immune system, people who smoke are also at risk for developing pneumonia.

The vaccination protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria, including those most likely to cause serious disease. Most adults who receive the vaccine develop protection against most or all of these types within three weeks of getting the shot. A separate vaccination is recommended for children younger than 5.

Giese said the Richland County Health Department has a limited supply.

"Wherever they get it, we're just trying to get the message out that it's important to get it," Giese said.

Individuals considering getting the vaccine should not have a prior history of allergic reactions to the medicine.

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