Pneumonia vaccine OK’d for adults

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A vaccine that can prevent ear infections in children who are ages 6 weeks to 5 years also now can be used to prevent pneumonia in adults who are ages 50 and older.

Food and Drug Administration in January 2012 approved Prevnar 13 by Pfizer as a pneumonia vaccine for people who are ages 50 and older as an addendum to its already-approved uses for children. The vaccine costs about $120 per dose and is covered by some insurance programs. It also is covered by Medicare Part B for all adults who are ages 65 and older.

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