Whether it is mild or no, it is the season for the flu and pneumonia, the two respiratory illnesses that hospitalize millions of people every year.

While the flu seems to be the common culprit from December to February, pneumonia is also garnering attention.

Folks at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center say this year is an average one.

They also warn that just because you have a flu shot does not mean you are in the clear from pneumonia.

A shot is needed for that too, just not as often.

Health officials say it is a shot that should not be overlooked.

Infection control coordinator, Diana Korpal, stated, “It's actually very important. The flu shots won't keep you from getting the flu, you might get a milder case but the real critical thing, especially for people that are high risk, is to have the pneumonia shot because that will keep you from getting pneumonia as a side effect of the flu.”

Many people who have pneumonia are often hospitalized and one in 20 actually dies from the disease.

While flu shots are recommended once a year, pneumonia shots are recommended once every 5 years.