The pneumococcal vaccine (pneumonia shot), released in the late 90s, is administered routinely in our office. The pneumococcus is a bacteria that is a common cause of ear infections in infants and toddlers. Additionally, the pneumococcus causes meningitis and pneumonia in people of all ages, however the rate of illness is higher in infants. Children with asthma, congenital heart disease, sickle cell disease and children with no spleen or who are otherwise immune compromised are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease. Having the pneumococcal vaccine series will greatly reduce the likelihood of serious disease from this organism. There are two pneumococcal vaccines available, one that is more effective and protects against seven serious varieties of the pneumococcal bacteria (PCV-7), and another that protects against 23 varieties (23 PS), but is slightly less effective. It is the recommendation of the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics that routine immunizations be given with the vaccine for seven types of pneumococcus. Certain high-risk individuals may be advised to be immunized against the 23 varieties.

REACTIONS AND RISK: About 1/3 of babies getting the shot have fussiness and irritability, a decrease in appetite, and/or low fever for a day or two. Sometimes there is mild tenderness or swelling or redness at the site of the injection. The risk of respiratory problems in the week after immunization with the pneumococcal vaccine is not increased over the risk for babies not immunized. Severe allergic reactions to the pneumococcal vaccine are very rare.

IMMUNIZATION PROTOCOL: We encourage babies to be immunized starting at two months of age along with other immunizations. Babies starting before six months of age will receive three immunizations plus a booster after a year of age. As children get older, the number of shots they need is decreased, however delaying immunizations will not protect infants during their most vulnerable time. There was a shortage of PCV-7 in 2003 into 2004, but now it seems to be in ample supply.

The pneumococcal shot is a good immunization against a disease that can be quite serious. We hope you^ll consider getting the pneumococcal vaccine for your child.

The official Center for Disease Control Vaccine Information Statement for PCV-7 is available through this site. http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/vis/ . You should review it before getting the pneumoccal vaccine for your child.

Ted Humphry, M.D. 822-2441

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