Are you ready to prioritize your health goals? Help protect yourself against pneumococcal pneumonia.

(BPT) – As 2022 comes to a close and the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your health goals from the past year. It’s also a great time to set up new ones to reach for. This is especially important for people aged 19-64 with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, COPD or chronic heart disease, who are at an increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia — a potentially serious bacterial lung disease. Those aged 65 or older are also at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, so it’s important to stay up to date on pneumococcal vaccination.The importance of vaccination in your health journey Actress, comedian, author and television personality Sherri Shepherd is working with Pfizer to help educate adults aged 19-64 with certain underlying medical conditions about their increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia and the importance of getting vaccinated to help prevent it.“I’ve been on a public journey with my health for several years now, and I try to prioritize the things that help keep my health goals in line, like long walks. Because I have diabetes, I am at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia,” said Shepherd, who has taken her shot at many things this year, including moving across the country and starting exciting new projects.How to start your health journeyShepherd credits the success of her health journey to focusing on mindfulness and prioritizing peace. She says the biggest things she can recommend to others starting their health journey include:Getting consistent sleepDrinking more waterFinding a way to move your body that works for youExpressing gratitudeTrying meditationMaking sure you talk to a doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccinationShepherd continued, “I know that vaccination is one of the best ways to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia from getting in the way of taking my shot at living my best life.”Talk to your doctor or pharmacist To learn more about the disease, risks, symptoms and more, visit KnowPneumonia.com. So, don’t wait for the clock to strike midnight this New Year’s Eve — ask a healthcare provider today about pneumococcal vaccination.