Pneumonia shots are available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, by appointment at South County Hospital. Please call (401) 788-1656 to schedule an appointment.

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The Pneumonia Task force, under the direction of the Ocean State Adult Immunization Coalition, has worked to bring awareness of pneumococcol disease and the need to vaccinate to the Rhode Island public. Pneumococcal disease is a major public health problem. Invasive pneumococcol infections include pneumonia and meningitis bacterium. Pneumococcal vaccine is based on the 23 most common serotypes against which the vaccine has 60-70% efficacy. Unlike flu vaccine that must be given every year, pneumococcol vaccine is a “shot for all seasons”.  Usually, one dose is enough to last a lifetime. In certain situations a second dose may be advised.

In the adult population pneumonia vaccine is recommended for selected groups; healthy elderly people (65 and older) particularly those living in institutions, people with chronic organ failure, people with immunodeficiency, and people without spleens are at particular risk.

The Ocean State Adult Immunization Coalition and the Pneumonia Task force is committed to bringing pneumococcol vaccine to all Rhode Islanders. Watch this web site throughout the year for clinics that will be available in your area, or call the Hot line at 1-800-555-7858.