Flu/Pneumonia Shots Question

suzanne · Oct 30, 2014

DH ended up in the hospital for 3 days last November with pneumonia. While in the hospital he contracted a Mersa infection in his lungs. Neither of us have ever had a Flu Shot or Pneumonia Shot. We don't want to risk him getting sick again with his immune system. So we want to have both shots. Can both shots be given at the same time or do we have to have one wait awhile and then get the other one?

TIA,

Suzanne

dougp26364 · Oct 30, 2014

They can be given at the same time. Some people prefer to take the a few weeks apart rather than get a shot in both arms in one sitting.

sun&fun · Oct 30, 2014

I had both at the same time and no significant reaction to either.

JudyH · Oct 31, 2014

I just had both in one arm on Wednesday and my arm has been in significant pain (think 800 mg ibuprofen and heating pad) since then. Can't cross or raise the arm. Fortunately I did not get it on the side I sleep.

myoakley · Oct 31, 2014

I suggest getting the two shots several weeks apart. I have not had a bad reaction to the flu shot, but the pneumonia shot left my arm sore for 3 days.

Passepartout · Oct 31, 2014

Nice thing is that the pneumonia vaccine is literally a one shot deal. Once you get it, you're set for life. A little tenderness for a couple of days is a reasonable price to pay.

Jim

suzanne · Oct 31, 2014

Thanks everyone for your help. We are set to get the shots this afternoon. DH said he wants to get both at same time. This way if there is any side effects or soreness we have time to heal before we go to Jackson Hole, WY in December for our winter vacation.

Suzanne

Luanne · Oct 31, 2014

You can get them at the same time. However, I have had a couple of friends have bad reactions to the pneumonia shot. With one friend it kind of took her out for a few days.

PStreet1 · Oct 31, 2014

Pneumonia Shot: my doctor said the new thinking on the pneumonia shot is that you should have another one 5 years after the first and that should take care of you for "the duration."

JudyH · Oct 31, 2014

So maybe it's the pneumonia shot that made my arm so sore? They did tell DH to get another next year. I sure won't do both together again.

MuranoJo · Nov 1, 2014

It's probably the pneumonia shot that's making your arm so sore. When I had one not too long ago, my arm was also sore (as mentioned above) for 3 days or so. My doc said they recommend getting them every 10 years, so it sounds like we're getting conflicting info. from the medical community.

sstug · Nov 1, 2014

When I got my pneumonia shot I was told it's good for 7 to 10 years.

Beaglemom3 · Nov 1, 2014

I prefer to have one shot at a time thereby allowing time for my immune system to develop antibodies to this immunization. I don't like to stress my immune system, so I space them out a bit, but that's how I determine things for my own health maintenance.

Also, if I have a reaction, I'll know which one it was.

Again, this is my preference and not medical advice. Speak to your PCP about your best options.

-

Phill12 · Nov 1, 2014

Passepartout said:
Nice thing is that the pneumonia vaccine is literally a one shot deal. Once you get it, you're set for life. A little tenderness for a couple of days is a reasonable price to pay.

Jim

Jim I didn't know it was for life. I never heard of this shot until three years ago when my Heart doctor wanted to give me one. They give me a flu shot every year and I thought this shot was every five years. :ponder:

PHIL

Passepartout · Nov 1, 2014

OK, MY doc said that I'd be set for life when I got mine as part of my 'Welcome to Medicare' visit at 65. Apparently not all people are protected equally.

This, from the CDC:

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for several different groups of people, including all patients age 65 years or older. A single dose of the pneumococcal vaccine is, typically, sufficient for most individuals. However, for individuals over age 65, who received their first dose before age 65 and greater than 5 years ago, a second dose is recommended. You may want to consult with your health care provider regarding vaccination."

So bottom line, after 5 years have passed from the time you get it, ask your doc if you should get another dose.

Jim

suzanne · Nov 1, 2014

We got both the shots yesterday. Arm is a little bit sore to touch but nothing bad. The information we were given along with the shot, states the pneumonia shot for people with compromised immune systems or other serious conditions and people over 65 should have the shot twice. The second shot should be given 5 years after the first one. It further stated that it takes approximately 3 weeks to be fully effective. The flu shot is every year and takes about 2 weeks to be fully effective.

We were given the heavier dose flu shot as we are both over 65 and DH has Non Hodgkins Lymphoma Cancer.

Suzanne

Flu/Pneumonia Shots Question

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