Berkshire Senior Online

By Sim Gaunt and Jill Gallagher

Q: I’ve heard that there’s an immunization for pneumonia. Is it true and why would I want it?

A: Yes. There is an immunization for pneumonia and also the flu. Pneumococcal disease is an illness that can cause severe infection in the brain, lungs and blood. It can occur during any time of the year, not just winter. Pneumococcal pneumonia affects about 500,000 people each year . Symptoms include chills, stabbing chest pain, high fever and cough. Fortunately, there is a vaccination that can prevent this from happening. It is safe, effective and most people have no side effects. Less than one in 100 people have side effects such as fever or rash. If you’re 65 or older, have a chronic disease or a weak immune system, it may not be a bad idea to get a pneumonia shot. For those 65 and older, only one vaccination is needed in a lifetime.

Another important vaccination is the flu shot. Each year more than 100,000 people in the US are hospitalized and about 20,000 die because of the flu. Flu is a disease of the lungs that can lead to complications such as pneumonia. It only takes 2 milliseconds to inhale the flu and it can take up to three weeks to recover. It only takes about 15 seconds to get a flu shot and the good news is, one can get the flu and pneumonia shot an the same time. The bad news is, that unlike the pneumonia shot, the flu shot must be given once a year to prevent influenza. It is a good idea to get the vaccinations sometime between October and January. Call your doctor to schedule an appointment for your flu and pneumonia shot.

Q. Is there any assistance to help my aged mother heat her very drafty house ?

A. There are two programs.

Berkshire Community Action Council: Pittsfield Office, 445-5671; North Adams Office, 663-3014; Great Barrington Office, 528-1947. Fuel Assistance is a program that helps pay heating bills for low income families (primary source of heat only) working poor, and elderly households. The income guidelines may vary from year to year. Fuel Assistance is available to cover heating bills from November 1- April 30. Fuel Assistance is intended to help defray the cost of fuel. Applications are available at the Berkshire Community Action Council.

Citizens Energy Oil Program allows people needing help heating their home to purchase a one-time delivery of up to 175 gallons of home heating oil for only half of the retail price per gallon. This program covers oil purchases only and does not apply to burner primes or services. This program is available December through mid-March. To find out more about income guidelines call toll free 1-877-JOE-4-OIL or 1-877-563-4643 or your local fuel assistance agency.