was 69 YO, which was five years ago. I was told that'll last me, that I'll never need another one. What do you think?

When you start hearing things like "you won't need another", you get the feeling you're getting close to #18.

A routine pneumococcal vaccine is given to all persons at age 65 or shortly thereafter. Some people receive the vaccine earlier in life due to certain medical conditions that place them at higher risk. These people should then receive a second dose at some point after age 65.

A revaccination is not currently recommended for those who got their first dose at age 65 because evidence does not suggest that doing so provides better protection.

However, many of my colleagues will administer another dose every 5 years to their highest risk patients (severe medical problems such as lung disease, heart disease, cancer patients, etc) because they believe the small possible benefit outweighs the negligible risks.

So, simple answer, you don't need another dose but you should always discuss this with your doctor who knows your risks better than we do.

after reading the thread. By all means, get up on that soapbox...just be sure to watch your step getting down.

and was too lazy to go get one somewhere else. Big mistake. I'm currently trying to get over the flu I've had since Friday.

to develop protective antibody levels. So don't wait!

further, you might want to tell people what ECMO is.

it might drive home the point that the flu kills people.

not just babies and old people but young, healthy people.

further, it kills them in numbers that dramatically outweigh the risks of the vaccine.

more medical professionals need to be on the soapbox.

I got the shot and two months later I am heading for two weeks being sick as hell.

I'm sorry you are/were ill. it's a nasty illness and I hope you recover quickly.

it is, however, more inclusive than not getting it.

of the flu but I figured it was a cold. Nope. I've had it since the Sunday before Christmas and I'm still coughing.