Pneumococcal bacteria are counted among the dangerous bacteria that can cause various pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and various blood infections. The bacteria responsible for these diseases can spread through the air from one baby to another and for this reason, poses a significant risk to the health of little ones. Babies already have an immature immune system and are quite sensitive to the smallest of illnesses. For this reason, administering pneumococcal vaccines for babies at the right time is crucial to keep them safe from these dangerous illnesses.
Apart from pneumonia and meningitis, pneumococcal bacteria can also cause infections in the lungs and brain. Ear infections also commonly occur due to these bacteria. To provide protection from such diseases, it is important to administer pneumococcal vaccines to babies at the right time and according to schedule. This article explains everything you need to know about pneumococcal vaccines for babies.
In This Article
- What is the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
- What Are the Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines?
- When to Give Pneumococcal Vaccine For Babies?
- Vaccine Recommended For Certain Health Conditions
- Side Effects of the Pneumococcal Vaccine For Babies
What is the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
Pneumococcal vaccine, based on a capsular polysaccharide, is a vaccine that is meant to protect babies from pneumococcal disease caused by bacteria. This bacterium can spread through air, cough, or sneeze which makes it extremely easy to spread. Streptococcus can lead to serious illnesses like bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, middle ear infection or otitis media, and sinus infections.
Since pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children below the age of 5, it is mandatory to give babies the vaccine to protect them.
What Are the Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines?
There are two types of the vaccine:
- Pneominal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
- Pneumonial Polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
Doctors prefer PCV13 vaccines for infants, which suits most babies. You can talk to your children’s physician about the pneumococcal vaccination schedule, and also find the right time to take your little one to the vaccination center. Pneumococcal vaccine price ranges between Rs 1000 to Rs 5000, depending on the manufacturer about the cost of the vaccine.
Pneumonial Polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is for adults and provides little protective immunity in infants or children.
When to Give Pneumococcal Vaccine For Babies?
Doctors recommend that all young children below the age of 2 should take this vaccine. There are 4 doses that will be given at the following stages
- At 2 Months of Age
- 4 Months of Age
- 6 Months of Age
- 12 Months to 15 Months of Age
Just in case a dose is missed, it is best to speak to the child specialist and take the dose according to what is prescribed.
Vaccine Recommended for Certain Health Conditions
The vaccine is also recommended for babies who have the following conditions.
- Babies who have a Cochlear Implant
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak
- Diagnosed with HIV/AIDS
- Suffering from Sickle Cell Disease
- Having a damaged Spleen or no Spleen
- Suffering from diseases like Diabetes, Cancer, or Liver disease
[Read : Guide To Compulsory & Optional Vaccines For Babies]
Side Effects of the Pneumococcal Vaccine For Babies
Being a parent comes with multiple responsibilities, where you need to take care of your infant and keep track of their vaccination. Also, you need to check allergies in your infant, about which you can consult with the doctor before the dosages. However, the baby may have some side effects after the vaccinations.
- Mild fever
- Appetite may not be as normal
- Fussiness
- Drowsiness
- Non-Continuous Sleep
- Redness or Swelling at the Spot
If the fever persists or symptoms like convulsions occur, seek the help of your medical practitioner immediately.
Pneumococcal vaccine for babies is crucial to help build a better defense system. And therefore, parents should consult their pediatrician about the doses and time gaps but should not miss out on it, to ensure a good healthy future for the baby.
Read Also: Rotavirus Vaccine In Babies : All You Need to Know
