Approximately 50,000 adults die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S.  Pneumonia and influenza are the fifth leading cause of death in older adults in the U.S.  Flu and pneumonia can be life-threatening for older people.  All adults 65 and older should get flu and pneumococcal shots. People with Medicare who are under 65 but have chronic illness, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or end-stage renal disease should get a flu shot.

Influenza, also called the "flu," is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. There are over 200,000 hospitalizations from influenza on average every year. An average of 36,000 Americans die annually due to influenza and its complications – most are people 65 years of age and over. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year during the fall season. Because flu viruses change from year to year, it is important to get a flu shot each year. Medicare pays for the influenza immunization or "flu shot."

Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia. There are over 40,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease in the U.S. and approximately one-third of these cases occur in people 65 and older. Over half of the more than 5,000 annual deaths from invasive pneumococcal disease occur in persons 65 years of age and older. Medicare covers one pneumococcal vaccination for all Medicare beneficiaries. One vaccine at age 65 generally provides coverage for a lifetime, but for some high risk persons, a booster vaccine is needed. Medicare will also cover a booster vaccine for high risk persons if 5 years have passed since their last vaccination.

For More Information

Visit these links to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention:

Flu Information

National Immunization Program