65 or Older? Even if you are healthy, you are still at risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia.1,2
MYTH
If you take care of yourself and are in good health, you're not at risk.
FACT
At 65 or older, the risk of hospitalization with pneumococcal pneumonia is at least
Pneumococcal vaccination can help protect you.5
Pneumococcal pneumonia is not a bad cold nor the flu nor COVID-19.3,4,11
MYTH
Pneumococcal pneumonia is the same as COVID-19 or the Flu.
FACT
Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by the bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae8 but COVID-19 and the Flu are caused by viruses.3,11 Pneumococcal vaccination protects against pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria.5
Pneumococcal pneumonia is infectious.6 It can be caught anywhere, anytime.8
MYTH
You can only catch pneumococcal pneumonia in cold places, in cold seasons.
FACT
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious12 bacterial lung infection3 you can catch anywhere, any time of the year.8
Pneumococcal vaccination protects adults and children.9
MYTH
Only children need pneumococcal vaccination.
FACT
Children less than 2 years old, adults above 65 and those with chronic conditions are at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.5 Pneumococcal vaccination protects adults and children.9
The impact of symptoms of pneumoccoccal pneumonia may last for days to months.7^
MYTH
If you catch it, you'll bounce back in no time.
FACT
With pneumococcal pneumonia, it may take weeks before you resume your full productivity at work or usual activities.7^ The fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath may take weeks to resolve.7^
Your risk for developing pneumococcal pneumonia goes up.1,2
MYTH
If your health issues are under control, you're not at increased risk.
FACT
Certain chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes can increase your risk for pneumococcal pneumonia.1,2
Here are some key facts you need to know about pneumococcal pneumonia.
COPD= Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COVID-19 = CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019
*Risk is dependent on individual risk profile. (healthy; adults included those without evidence of any high-risk or at-risk condition, at risk; adults included those who were immunocompetent with 1 or more chronic medical conditions or high risk ; adults included those who were immunocompromised or had a cochlear implant)1
^ Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common pathogens found in community acquired pneumonia (CAP)10