Vaccines (needles or baby shots) are the best way to protect people against some very serious infections. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend routine immunization with Prevnar vaccine, which protects children 5 years of age and under from serious pneumococcal disease.
What are pneumococcal infections?
Pneumococcal diseases are caused by the bacterium, Streptococus pneumoniae. It can cause ear infections, infection of the covering of the brain (meningitis), pneumonia and blood infection (septicemia).
Is pneumococcal bacteria contagious?
Yes, it is contagious. It can spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing, sharing food or drink, or with young children when sharing toys that are frequently put into the mouth, such as those used for teething. The bacteria can be found in the nose and throat of many healthy children and adults without causing illness.
Each year in Ontario about 1500 cases of serious pneumococcal disease are confirmed by laboratory cases, but the true number of cases is probably 20 times higher. In Canada, about 700 children under age 5 develop serious pneumococcal bacteriemia each year. Another 65 young children develop pneumococcal meningitis. Each year in Canada, about 15 children under age 5 die from serious pneumococcal disease.
Can antibiotics be used to treat pneumococcal infections?
There are antibiotics that can treat most pneumococcal infections. However, due to widespread use, some pneumococcal bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics rendering the antibiotics ineffective in treating some infections.
Is there a vaccine to protect infants and children?
Prevnar vaccine helps to protect infants and children from serious pneumococcal diseases. It is the only pneumococcal vaccine that can be used for immunization of infants from six weeks to two years of age. This vaccine provides protection in 97% of children vaccinated against invasive pneumococcal infections.
What is the immunization schedule?
The vaccine schedule for infants is three doses at least one month apart, followed by a fourth dose at 12 to 15 months. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines but in a different site. For children 7 to 11 months of age, 3 doses are recommended, with the first 2 at least 1 month apart, followed by a third dose after the one-year birthday. For children 12 to 23 months of age, 2 doses are required at least 2 months apart, and 1 dose is required for children from 2 to 5 years of age.
Are there any side effects?
In clinical trails for Prevnar, the most frequently reported effects, included; injection site redness and swelling, fever (³ 38°C or 100.4°F), irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and rash or hives. Hypersensitivity to any vaccine component is a contraindication to its use.
Who should get the vaccine?
It is safe and should be considered for all children. It is especially recommended for children with chronic medical conditions such as:
- Those with sickle cell disease
- Those without spleens (functional, anatomical or congenital asplenia)
- Those infected with HIV virus
- Other predisposing conditions such as congenital immune deficiencies
- Chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease
- Cerebral spinal fluid leaks
- Chronic kidney problems, diabetes mellitus, cancer, transplantation and those on immune-deficiency therapy
Who should not get the vaccine?
Prevnar should not be given to infants or children if they have:
- Had an allergic reaction to a previous pneumococcal vaccine
- An allergy to any of the components of the vaccine
In the case of illness in an infant or child, consult with your health care provider about deferring the immunization until after the illness has ended.
When you bring your infant, child or yourself in for vaccination….
- Get the facts. A doctor or health care professional can answer any concerns or questions you may have.
- Tell the health care provider about any allergies, medications, illnesses or any previous suspected reaction to any vaccine, since they may affect a person's response to vaccination.
- Keep a written vaccination record in case you change doctors, move or forget which vaccines were given and when they were administered. Records of vaccines are required for attendance at daycare and school system.
- Help protect your children against needless illness. Make sure they get all their vaccinations.
Source: Halton Region Health Department
For more information contact Public Health at 519-355-1071, ext. 5900 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca