WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., Dec. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A gallon of gas cost 62 cents, the first Star Wars opened in movie theaters and disco ruled the dance floor. But 1977 was also a milestone year in science, technology and health care.

In 1977:

Science, technology and health care have evolved in many ways since 1977. For example, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that was approved in 1977 helped protect against 14 pneumococcal disease serotypes. Today, PNEUMOVAX23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent) helps protect against 23 serotypes, including those that can cause serious disease (pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis) in the United States.

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While many people have owned an Apple product, seen a Star Wars movie, and gotten an MRI or know someone who has, people may not be aware of their risk for pneumococcal disease. It is also important for adults to talk with their health care professional about pneumococcal vaccination. Pneumococcus (pronounced 'noo-mo-ca-cus') is a common bacteria that can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia. These infections occur when pneumococcus invade the bloodstream, lungs or spinal fluid.

"People are more vulnerable to getting infections as they get older because their immune system is not able to respond as well as when they were younger," said John Grabenstein, Executive Director, Global Vaccine Medical Affairs & Policy at Merck. "I encourage all adults 65 and older to talk with their health care professional today about pneumococcal vaccination."

PNEUMOVAX23 can help protect from infection by 23 forms of pneumococcal bacteria (called serotypes), including those that are most prevalent and most often cause serious disease (pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis) in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2008, these 23 serotypes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 8, 9N, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 17F, 18C, 19F, 19A, 20, 22F, 23F, and 33F) caused 76 percent of serious pneumococcal disease in adults ages 5064 and 66 percent of serious pneumococcal disease in adults 65 years of age and older.

About PNEUMOVAX23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent)

PNEUMOVAX23 is a vaccine that is given as a shot. It helps protect you from infection by certain germs or bacteria, which are called pneumococcus. PNEUMOVAX23 is for people 50 years of age and older and those 2 years of age and older who are at increased risk for infection.

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1977-2012: Science, Technology and Health Care