What Are Pneumococcal Infections?
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protect against pneumococcal infections, which are caused by bacteria.
The bacteria spread through person-to-person contact and can cause such serious infections as pneumonia, blood infections, and bacterial meningitis.
PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria (which cause the most common pneumococcal infections in kids). PPSV23 protects against 23 types. These vaccines not only prevent infections in children who are immunized, but also help stop the infections from spreading to others.
PCV and PPSV Immunization Schedules
PCV13 immunizations are given to all infants as a series of 4 injections:
the first at 2 months of age, then at 4 months, 6 months, and 12–15 months.
Some kids older than age 2 also might need a shot of PCV13; for example, if they have missed one or more shots or if they have a chronic health condition (such as heart or lung disease) or one that weakens the immune system like asplenia, HIV infection, etc. A doctor can decide when and how typically a child will need to receive PCV13.
PPSV23 immunizations are recommended as added protection against pneumococcal disease in kids 2–18 years old who have certain chronic health conditions, including heart, lung, or liver disease.
Why Are the PCV and PPSV Vaccines Recommended?
Children younger than 2 years, recent adults over sixty five, and people with certain medical conditions are at high risk of developing serious pneumococcal infections. These vaccines are very effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and even death.
Possible Risks of PCV and PPSV Vaccines
Kids could have redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given. A child also might have a fever when obtaining the shot.
Routine vaccination:
Minimum age: 6 weeks
Both PCV10 and PCV13 square measure authorized for youngsters from half dozen weeks to five years aged.
Catch-up vaccination:
Administer one dose of PCV13 or PCV10 to all or any healthy kids aged twenty four through fifty nine months who aren’t fully immunized for their age.
For PCV one3: Catch up in 6-12 months: a pair of doses four weeks apart and 1 booster; 12-23 months: a pair of doses eight weeks apart; twenty four mo & above: single dose
For PCV10: Catch up in 6-12 months: 2 doses 4 weeks apart and 1 booster; 12 months to 5 years: 2 doses 8 weeks apart.