Greendale Health Department is now stocking the pneumonia vaccine, Pneumovax. New research on the causes of pneumonia has revealed that people 19 years and older who have asthma (regardless of severity), or who smoke cigarettes are at high risk of developing pneumonia, especially if they get the flu. Additionally, people ages 2-64 who have chronic heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, or problems with their immune system should receive the vaccine. These are recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Call the Greendale Health Dept. at 423-2110 for an appointment. The charge for Pneumovax is $45.

In addition to the people listed above, Pneumovax is recommended for: people 65 years of age or older; persons having a chronic illness such as cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, sickle cell disease, diabetes, alcoholism, chronic liver diseases or cerebrospinal fluid leaks, persons with a weakened immune system, people living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, and people who are Alaska Natives or belong to certain American Indian populations.

Some people who were younger than 65 when they received the pneumonia vaccine may need a second dose at 65 years of age or later if it has been 5 years or longer since they received the vaccine.