Flu Vaccine May Also Protect Against Pneumonia

Flu Vaccine May Also Protect Against Pneumonia

Flu Vaccine May Also Protect Against Pneumonia

Study suggests about 57 percent of hospitalizations for flu-related pneumonia might be prevented

To prove a cause-and-effect relationship, researchers would have to assign one group of people to receive flu vaccines and another group to not receive flu vaccines. The rates of hospitalization for flu-related pneumonia in both groups would then have to be compared, he explained.

"This study raises the prospect that the flu shot decreases the risk of getting pneumonia," Siegel said. "I'm buying that -- but it's not proof."

But it is possible that the flu shot offers protection from pneumonia, Siegel added.

"People may get some protection they are not even counting on," he said. "You may get added protection against the real killer -- pneumonia."

All Americans over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated each year against the flu, the CDC recommends.