(BPT) – Joe Montana is taking his shot at life after football: from mastering new hobbies to helping to protect himself against pneumococcal pneumonia.
Q: You’re known for being competitive. Now that you’re teaming up with Pfizer to help raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia, what are some of the new things you’ve been trying out?
Joe: We’ve all been through a lot the last couple of years, and it feels like people are ready to take their shot at something new. In this campaign, I’ve been taking my shot at some hobbies that some might find surprising for me, like making barbeque sauces, mastering cornhole and painting portraits. Pneumococcal pneumonia shouldn’t get in the way of people trying or experiencing new things, so consider getting vaccinated if you’re in certain groups with increased risk for the disease – if you’re 65 or older, or 19 or older with an underlying medical condition like asthma or diabetes.
Q: Why are you partnering on a campaign about pneumococcal pneumonia, specifically? What do you want people to know about it?
Joe: One reason is because I’m in the age group, 65 or older, who are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, so I think it’s important for people my age to be aware of this factor. Adults 19 or older with certain underlying health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, COPD, or chronic heart disease, among others, are also at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. As someone who’s always looking for a competitive edge, I want to make sure anyone at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia knows there are steps they can take to help protect themselves.
Q: Even if someone’s had a pneumonia vaccine in the past, should they still ask their doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination?
Joe: Even if you’ve been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia in the past, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend additional vaccination. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who can give their professional advice.
Q: I read that pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and, in severe cases, can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening. But when can you get it?
Joe: There’s a misconception that you can only get pneumococcal pneumonia in the winter or during flu season, but it can strike in any season and vaccination is available all year round. That’s why people should ask their doctor or pharmacist today about getting vaccinated.
Q: Thanks so much for the information, Joe. Where can people find out more?
Joe: To learn more about the disease, risks, symptoms and more, visit KnowPneumonia.com.
