Pneumococcal Infection in Children
What is pneumococcal infection?
Pneumococcal infection is caused by
the pneumococcus bacteria. It can cause serious illness in children. This includes
pneumonia, infection in the blood, and meningitis (infection of the tissues covering the
brain and spinal cord). In young children, pneumococcal infection often causes ear
infections, which can lead to hearing loss, or rarely more serious complications, such
as meningitis.
Can I prevent pneumococcal infection in my
child?
The best way to prevent the
infection is with a vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is a shot that helps protect
against some of the many types of pneumococcal bacteria. There are currently 2 types of
vaccines:
-
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
(PCV13). This is also called Prevnar. This vaccine protects against 13
types of pneumococcal bacteria that commonly cause severe illness in children. It
can also help prevent some ear infections. PCV13 protects children by preparing
their bodies to fight the bacteria. Adults with some health conditions can also
get this vaccine.
-
Pneumococcal polysaccharide
vaccine (PPSV23). This is also called Pneumovax. This vaccine protects
against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. This vaccine is given to adults. It is
only given to children who have long-term health conditions that makes them
high-risk. Talk with your child's healthcare provider to find out if your child is
high-risk.
It is also important for your child
to get a flu shot every year. This is because the flu may increase your risk of getting
pneumococcal disease.
When is PCV13 given?
PCV13 is a routine childhood
vaccine. It is given as a series at these ages:
-
2 months
-
4 months
-
6 months
-
12 to 15 months
Children between 2 to 4 years who
have not had the vaccine or who have not finished the series of 4 doses should get 1
dose of PCV13.
What are the risks from PCV13?
The most common reactions to PCV13
include:
A vaccine, like any medicine, can very rarely cause severe side
effects. These can include a severe allergic reaction. An allergic reaction would most
likely occur within a few minutes to a few hours of the shot. Signs of an allergic
reaction may include:
Call your child's healthcare provider right away if your child has
these problems. Get medical help right away.
How do I care for my child after the PCV13
vaccine?
Give your child a pain reliever, as directed by your child's
healthcare provider. Make sure it does not contain any aspirin.
Reviewed Date: 10-01-2016
Pneumococcus