The pneumococcal  vaccine protects against pneumococcal infections. These infections usually affect children younger than 5 years and can lead to some of the most dangerous childhood infections. The pneumococcal bacterium is the leading cause of severe infections such as bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, ear infections and blood infections. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) PCV13 , or Prevnar 13  has been used since 2010 to protect against more strains of pneumococcal bacteria than the previous vaccine, PCV7. PCV7 doesn’t protect against certain strains of bacteria that have become more common in recent years. PCV13  however , protects against the strains of pneumococcal bacteria that usually cause severe pneumococcal infections in children. If your child has already received all the doses of the older version (PCV7), the CDC recommends that children ages 14 to 59 months receive one dose of PCV13

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine and when ?

The vaccine consists of 4 doses

Schedule

 
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• between 12-15 months

 
Kids between the ages of 2 to 18 should receive they PPSV vaccine if they have chronic health conditions such as

 
• diabetes
• heart liver and lung disease
• compromised immune system from cancer or HIV
• cochlear implants

Who should not get the vaccine ?

You don’t have to get the vaccine if you fall into this category :

 
• any child who has had  a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous PCV shot or to DTaP vaccine should not get the PCV vaccine

Who should wait ?

If your child is sick with mild infections such as common cold , he can take the vaccine. However if the illness is severe, wait until your health improves before giving vaccine

Risk associated with the pneumococcal vaccine .

A vaccine like  any medication can cause serious allergic reaction however this risk is very small. Serious allergic reactions may occur  however this is rare.

Mild problems : Children may experience redness, tenderness, or swelling at the site of injection. The child may also have fever after the shot.

You can control fever and pain by giving your child an aspirin-free pain reliever when the shot is given, and for the next 24 hours. Following the package instructions carefully.

What do I do if my child has a serious allergic reaction ?

Look for the following signs in your signs in your child

 
• very high fever
• behavioral change
• allergic reactions such as  difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, hives, swelling of face and throat, dizziness, and weakness

 
If you child is experiencing any of these call your emergency number or 911 immediately. After that you or your doctor should  report it  to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) through the VAERS website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
 
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