Getting the New Pneumonia Vaccine at Kona Safeway

Getting the new pneumonia vaccine at Safeway in Kona, otherwise known as pneumococcal 23 vaccine, is pretty easy to do. I’ve been thinking about getting this new vaccine because everything you read about old people unexpectedly dying is often related to pneumonia. They go into the hospital with an aching heart or a kidney stone, whatever, and they drop dead from pneumonia. 

As a person over 65, I’ve already had the flu shot and the Prevnar 13, but not the new pneumonia vaccine. I stopped in Safeway last October to get the shot but was informed I should check with my doctor first. OK, when I got back to Sacramento, I sent a message to my doctor at UC Davis. She said yes, since it’s been more than a year since I had the Prevnar 13, she recommends the new pneumonia vaccine.

Last night seemed like a good as time as any to get the shot. After all, I was a) already in Safeway and b) there was no line at the pharmacy. Two requisites. 

The pharmacist or assistant then argued with me. She said I could not get the pneumococcal 23 vaccine because I should not have had the Prevnar 13. I seemed too young, I guess. Only after I clarified that I did not just turn 66, I have been 66 for 6 months now, and I had the Prevnar around age 65, did she relent. Well, actually, I had to show her the message from my doctor, which I have in my UC Davis records. I was able to pull up those records from my cellphone.

Although the problem seemed to be my insurance. I did not bring my insurance card, but since when do I let little details like that bog me down. One thing I could do is call my husband and get the numbers from his insurance card. The other option was to pay for it myself.

Call me silly, but I have a feeling this particular pharmacist had a bad day. She actually said: “Don’t get mad at me if it costs more than $100, I’m just estimating.” She must deal with a lot of seniors on fixed income. Not a Sacramento Realtor. The other guy tried to input my insurance information into his computer, but he could not make it work. It’s OK, I assured him, I’ll just pay for it myself. 

Small price ($129) to ensure I have the new pneumonia vaccine. This is winter, regardless of where I am. I tried to make the grumpy pharmacist feel better. Complimented her on her technique, because it didn’t hurt, either. It’s too bad that people have to be upset for no reason.

Then I walked outside and spied this beautiful rainbow over Safeway in Kona. Hope you enjoy the photo.

And, all you old people, get your darned pneumonia vaccine.