Immunizations Not Just For the Young

July 11, 2005

Fifty Thousand people die each year in the United States by a disease that a vaccine could prevent. Ninety-nine percent of these vaccine preventable deaths occur in the adult population! PPV (pneumonia) shots and annual flu shots could prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths every year.

We have conquered polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles and mumps as significant causes of illness and death through required childhood vaccinations. Sadly, we have not been as successful when it comes to immunizing our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly and those with illnesses affecting their immune systems.

“National statistics show rural areas lag behind urban areas in vaccinating these high-risk populations.” Said Tim Gutshall, MD, Iowa Foundation for Medical Care. “We can raise the bar for immunizing the rural population in our state. Our goal is for Iowa to lead the nation in immunizing our most valued and vulnerable citizens.”

What can you do? Go to your doctor or clinic for your flu shot and while you are there talk to them about your pneumonia shot as well. It can be a lifesaver.

Media Contact:
Deb Innis - (515) 440-8224

This material was prepared by the Iowa Foundation for Medical Care, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Iowa, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. 7SOW-IA-PRIMM-10/04-052