Immunization with Pneumonia Vaccine
The word ‘pneumonia’ is linked to any of the infections that affect the lungs. The vaccine is used as a preventive measure against a particular type of pneumonia caused by the pneumococcus bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is one of the most common types of lung infections that occur outside an institutional setting or hospital in the United States.
In fact, it is estimated that more than 6,000 deaths that occur each year are due to pneumococcus infections, which is considered to be the highest number for any disease that can be prevented by a vaccine. Apart from affecting the lungs, this disease also infects the blood and is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis, that is responsible for a high number of fatalities associated with the disease. Typically, pneumonia is spread by coughing, sneezing, or any other way by which a contact is made with the respiratory output of an infected person. Hence, one of the best ways to prevent the transmission of the disease is to wash your hands often if you are in proximity with anyone infected.