Can you get the pneumonia shot if you have asthma?

Question

I have asthma, I'm 24, and I was considering getting the pneumonia shot (which supposedly protects you from bacterial pneumonia for up to possibly 10 years). Is it generally safe for someone with asthma to get this shot? Please only reply if you know or if you know and have a link to a website that backs up your answer. Thanks a lot. :)

After reading the responses to my question, I'd like to personally thank Ramona and Marnie for all of the information you provided. Marnie, the site you provided the link for has proved tremendously helpful in my decision process. I wanted to get the vaccine and now I feel confident that doing so will be to my benefit. Everyones responses were helpful, but it was a pleasant surprise to hear from an RN. Thanks again everyone! :)

Answer 1

First of all I want to congratulate you for requesting professional backup to the responses given to your medical question. Unfortunately this is rarely done and I am totally shocked about the misinformation and illogical guesses that are given in response to medical questions. I am a RN who has taught Nursing for over 20 years so know the importance of providing medical information that is supported in the medical literature and the importance of not giving a medical diagnosis that is the responsibility of a physician. Now to respond to your question. Based on medical literature and my clinical experience you would be an appropriate candidate for the pneumonia vaccine due to your chronic lung condition. The name of the vaccine you are asking about is called the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine or PPV. Pneumococcal disease can lead to pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis and due to your age (24) as well as your history of asthma, it is even more important that you protect yourself through vaccination. I will include the best website which you can go to and download a 2 page information sheet on PPV prepared by the Department Of Health And Human Services, Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, National Immunization Program, Vaccine Information Statements. The PPV Information Statement is reasonably detailed in question and answer format and includes the CDC phone number as well as their web site. I hope that this information will adequately answer your question. Good luck to you and God bless. Please continue to seek knowledge regarding your medical issues as knowledge is definitely personal power. Now here is the web site:
www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/
VIS/vis-ppv.pdf

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I have asthma that is under control now, but at certain times in my life it has not. My doctor recommends a flu shot every year, which I never used to get, but since I have been getting the winters for me, where I used to be sick a lot have gotten much better.

He also recommended that I get the pneumonia shot as well and I have followed his advice with no adverse affects.

Answer 4

I use to get a cortisone shot from my doctor not more than twice a year and it would help my asthma where I did not have to use my inhaler so much during the day or at all. Doctors should consider doing this more often when you have told them that it worked from your old Doctor. They give you the shot in the hip......

Answer 5

Yes you can take the pneumonia and flu vaccines. We recommend pneumonia shots every 5 years...On this site you have info about the vaccines and asthma...

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35692

Answer 6

you should have no probelms getting this shot. Pneumonia and asthma are totally unrelated. It will not make your asthma worse.

Answer 7

Yes, you are a good condidate since your respiratory system is compromised already.