Vaccines

Why are vaccines important and part of the DIVERT-CARE Model?

Cardiorespiratory symptoms figure prominently in the risk outputs of the DIVERT Scale.

Conditions that also figure prominently are Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Both have guidelines that recommend vaccines to prevent community-acquired pneumonia and bring attention to the adverse cardiorespiratory effects that are associated with contracting influenza and pneumonia.

Influenza Vaccine

Who should get the influenza vaccine?

Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot
Especially those at risk, including those over 65, those with lung disease or heart disease

The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. It can save lives by:

protecting you, if you are exposed to the virus
preventing you from getting very sick
protecting people close to you
the vaccine lessens your likelihood of spreading the virus

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

Who should get the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine?

All adults 65 years and older
Adults and children who have high-risk medical conditions. Speak to your health care provider to see if you are eligible.
Smokers
All residents of long-term care and/or chronic-care facilities