Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine - Pneumonia Vaccine
Overview & Description
The pneumonia vaccine is given to children or adults at high risk for pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia. Pneumococcal disease is caused by certain bacteria that live in the nose, sinuses, ears, and throat. Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but most healthy people do not get severely ill or die from it.
The pneumonia vaccine protects against discomforts and serious, sometimes fatal, complications that can occur when the bacteria spread in the body, such as:
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
The U.S. government recommends the vaccine for:
A pregnant woman should discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccine with her healthcare provider.
How is the procedure performed?
A shot is given into the muscle of the upper thigh or arm. Usually one shot is enough. Occasionally a second shot is recommended at a 6-year interval for people with certain chronic conditions: