http://www.kcci.com/health/17781463/detail.html

ATLANTA—For the first time, a federal health panel is recommending a vaccination specifically for smokers.

The government’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has decided that adult smokers younger than 65 should get the pneumococcal vaccine. The shot is already recommended for anyone older than 65.

Approval would mean more than 31 million adult smokers may soon be asked to get the shot.

Studies have shown that smokers are about four times more likely than nonsmokers to suffer pneumococcal disease. Also, the more cigarettes someone smokes each day, the higher the odds they’ll develop the illnesses.

The vaccine protects against bacteria that cause pneumonia, meningitis and other illnesses.