Pnuemonia shots recommended as cases rise

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - With the number of pneumonia cases on the rise in New Mexico, doctors and pharmacists recommend that people should get a pneumonia shot.  So far, 78 people have died from pneumonia here in the state within the last few months.

It's clinical term is pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV-13. It's been out for a while and it's recommended for many different age groups.

Especially those with certain health risk factors such as leukemia and lymphoma along with kidney problems. A secondary vaccination for pneumonia is called PPSV-23 is also recommended for some adults and children with certain risk factors. Both are important for adults 65 or older and those 19 or older.

One thing to keep in mind is for parents who have children that may have previously had a dose of the vaccine and had a life-threatening allergic reaction should, those children should not attempt to get another pneumonia shot.

Another rule to keep in mind is if you have a child that can receive the shot, but is getting over a cold or other illness, just wait until they get better to get the vaccine.

One pharmacist tells News 13 that pneumonia kills almost one in 30 cases.