Prevnar 13 injection

Patriot3 · ‎06-07-2010

My ins finally allowed me to get the Prevnar 13 shot. So relieved. Otherwise it would have cost $260. I had the normal pneumonia shot years ago, but wanted this one. After having pneumonia twice in 6 months last year and being hospitalized first, 6 days and then 12 days, I decided I wanted all the help I could get.

It's not a guarantee, I know, but maybe it will help.

sueeich · ‎04-12-2010

I came down with pneumonia last year during the holidays. It was awful! It took me at least 3 weeks before I started to feel better and probably 6 weeks before I was totally back to normal. And I'm a generally very healthy person. I really believe it was because it was initially misdiagnosed. Since it was over the Christmas holidays, my regular doctor was closed and I had to go to one of those urgent care places. They told me I had a virus and that it would just have to run its course. Anyway, I think I need to get a pneumonia vaccine as well. Unfortunately, I'm only 51 and my insurance doesn't allow unless you're 65 years old or immunocompromised. But I'm going to just pay for it myself and get reimbursed through my FSA. Pneumonia is awful stuff. Never want to get it again!

katte · ‎03-07-2013

@Patriot3 Hi - I've never had pneumonia or do I want to get it, therefore I got the Prevnar-13 shot a couple of weeks ago. My doctor highly recommended that I get it. He said "it would save my life." I took his advice. I also got the flu shot, but spaced the shots two weeks apart so my system could build up an immunity to each shot. The reaction to each shot was minimal, just a sore arm. Glad you decided to protect yourself.

meem120 · ‎03-09-2010

FYI, the Prevnar pneumonia shot is a series of 2, spaced one year apart. Alot of people dont know that. I didnt. No one said anything to me about that. It was my pharmacist when we got into a conversation about it.

Patriot3 · ‎06-07-2010

@sueeich wrote:
I came down with pneumonia last year during the holidays. It was awful! It took me at least 3 weeks before I started to feel better and probably 6 weeks before I was totally back to normal. And I'm a generally very healthy person. I really believe it was because it was initially misdiagnosed. Since it was over the Christmas holidays, my regular doctor was closed and I had to go to one of those urgent care places. They told me I had a virus and that it would just have to run its course. Anyway, I think I need to get a pneumonia vaccine as well. Unfortunately, I'm only 51 and my insurance doesn't allow unless you're 65 years old or immunocompromised. But I'm going to just pay for it myself and get reimbursed through my FSA. Pneumonia is awful stuff. Never want to get it again!

How 'bout that. I went in to the hospital the second time in 6 mo on Christmas day last year for 12 days. We must have been sick at the same time. Yes it is awful and I'm a lot older that you, 78. It takes a long time to get over. I was supposed to have Christmas as usual and we ended up over a month late w/our celebration and then at one of my kids' house. I was still pretty weak.

Yes, I went to Urgent Care a couple days before C.mas, but it was too late, ended up in ER and admitted.

I didn't know that about the age for Ins. I tried to get the shot last year after my first bout of pneumonia in June, but they wouldn't cover it then, even at my age. All of a sudden they covered it......thank God!

wonderfulworld · ‎12-05-2012

Could someone please tell me the age at which it is recommended that you get this vaccine. Is it the one commonly called the pneumonia shot?

Thank you!

KathyM23 · ‎11-20-2010

My information could be wrong, but I think the pneumonia shot only protects against community acquired pneumonia,not the pneumonia that would result from another illness you had such a flu related pneumonia. I also think I only have to get the shot every two or four years (Iforget) I have had pneumonia that resulted from the flu and spend several days in ICU with septic pneumonia. My doctor now insists I get the pneumonia shot.

Anyone who know for sure, please share with us.

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

@KathyM23 wrote:
My information could be wrong, but I think the pneumonia shot only protects against community acquired pneumonia,not the pneumonia that would result from another illness you had such a flu related pneumonia. I also think I only have to get the shot every two or four years (Iforget) I have had pneumonia that resulted from the flu and spend several days in ICU with septic pneumonia. My doctor now insists I get the pneumonia shot.

Anyone who know for sure, please share with us.

@KathyM23 I have been reading about the vaccine due to this thread. The pneumonia vaccine should only be given one time. There are two types of pneumonia vaccines, and they should be given a year apart. You should get the PCV13 vaccine first and the PPSV23 vaccine at least a year later. You should be protected for life after receiving these vaccines.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

KathyM23 · ‎11-20-2010

@NickNack

Thanks for the info. I am going to get my flu shot this month and I have a doctor's appointment near the end of November. I will talk with her then about the pneumonia shot. I thought I had to get one every few years.