Leaves are falling, but your risk for pneumococcal disease may still be high–get vaccinated to help protect yourself

(BPT) – The flavors of fall are often what make the season so special — they bring us together and remind us to slow down and smell the spices. That’s why it’s the perfect time to try out new recipes and share your creations with friends. Apple pie, cider donuts, pumpkin bread — the possibilities are endless. Especially while there are so many fresh ingredients in season, like apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and even butternut squash. This fall, be sure to take advantage of all the deliciousness that this season brings.And while you cook up some tasty treats in the kitchen, don’t forget an important recipe for a healthy fall season — getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Vaccination can help protect you against these diseases, so you can try some new fall recipes without disruption.Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. The same bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia are responsible for IPD, which includes blood infection and meningitis. There’s a misconception that you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia during flu season or in the winter, but you can get it any time of year.If you’re 19-64 with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, chronic heart disease and COPD, you’re at increased risk. Adults 65 or older are also at increased risk. In fact, if you’re 65 or older, you’re at over 10x greater risk of being hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia compared with adults 18-49.If you fit in any of these groups, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself — and your fall plans.Vaccination is available all year round, so now is a great time to assess if pneumococcal vaccination is right for you. Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination for additional protection.Getting pneumococcal pneumonia or IPD shouldn’t be on your fall checklist, so don’t let it get in your way of enjoying all the delicious things this season has to offer.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination and visit VaxAssist.com to schedule a vaccination today.Brought to you by Pfizer.