Pneumococcal Vaccines Available at Sharon Health Dept.

The Sharon Health Department currently has pneumococcal vaccine available, according to the Sharon town website.

The vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumonia and, unlike the flu vaccine, which is administered in the fall, the pneumococcal vaccine may be given at any time during the year. 

Immunizations are given at the Health Department on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. and Fridays from 9-10:30 am. 

Residents can get pneumoccocal disease, but some people are more susceptible. The following lists those who should consider immunization: 

• All adults 65 years of age or older
• Anyone who has a long-term health problem (cardiovascular disease, cochlear implants, lung disease, diabetes, alcoholism and chronic liver disease)
• Anyone who has a disease or condition that lowers the body’s resistance to infection (Hodgkin’s disease, kidney failure, organ transplant, leukemia, HIV, sickle cell)
• Anyone who is taking any drug or treatment that lowers the body’s resistance to infection (long-term steroids, radiation therapy, certain cancer drugs)
• Those aged 19 through 64 who smoke cigarettes. 

A one-time, revaccination is recommended for residents aged 65 and older if they were vaccinated more than five years previously and were younger than 65 at the time.

Appointments are necessary, but there is no charge.