Thursday, March 3, 2011

Pneumonia Vaccination Clinic March 18 In Crystal Lake

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is offering a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination clinic on Friday March 18, 8:30am-10:30am, at its Crystal Lake office, 100 N Virginia Street.  Residents aged 19 and older who have never received the vaccine, have a chronic illness (such as asthma) or who smoke should call 815-334-4931 to make an appointment.  The vaccine is free for those with Medicare Part B or Medicaid; for others, the cost is $45.00.  Cash, check and credit card are accepted.  Appointments are limited. 

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Signs of pneumonia can include coughing, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, chills, or chest pain. Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumonia. This includes adults 65 years of age or older and children less than 5 years of age. People up through 64 years of age who have underlying medical conditions (like diabetes or HIV/AIDS) and people 19 through 64 who smoke cigarettes or have asthma are also at increased risk for getting pneumonia.

The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women and people with Guilliam Barre Syndrome.  Adults should consult with a physician prior to receiving the pneumonia vaccine. 

Visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to learn more about pneumococcal disease (http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Pneumonia/).

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