it, or that he is at lower risk of getting it, thanks!!He is fourteen months old

23 types of pneumococcal bacteria

Vaccine - pneumovax; Immunization - pneumovax
Definition Return to top

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine helps protect against severe infections due to the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria frequently causes meningitis & pneumonia in older adults & those with chronic illnesses. The vaccine has not been shown to prevent uncomplicated pneumonia.

Information Return to top

VACCINE INFORMATION

Pneumococcal is an inactivated-bacteria vaccine, which means it uses inactive bacteria to teach the immune system to recognize & fight active bacteria, if it is ever detected.

This vaccine effectively prevents illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in children over age 2 & adults at risk.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

The vaccine is recommended for:

High-risk people age 2 or older
Includes persons with heart disease, lung disease (excluding asthma), kidney disease, alcoholism, diabetes, cirrhosis, & leaks of cerebrospinal fluid
Everyone age 65 years or older
Those with sickle cell disease
Those who have had their spleen removed
Persons who live in nursing homes (extended-care facilities)
Persons who live in any institution where there r people with chronic health problems
Persons with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as cancer, HIV, or organ transplantation
Persons who receive chronic (long-term) immunosuppressive medications, including steroids
Alaskan natives & certain Native American populations
One single dose of the vaccine is given by injection. One dose works for most people. However, re-vaccination is recommended for people over age 65 who received their first dose before age 65 & more than 5 years ago. Other high-risk people, including those with weakened immune systems & spleen problems, may also need a second dose. You should speak with ur doctor about specific reasons for vaccination & revaccination.

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine does not protect against pneumococcal diseases in children under age 2. There is a different vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which is routinely given to younger children to protect against disease due to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

RISKS

Most people have no or only minor side effects from the pneumococcal vaccine. Pain & redness at the injection site can occur. As is the case with any drug or vaccine, there is a small chance of allergic reactions, more serious reactions, or even death after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine.

Watch for & be familiar with how to treat minor side effects, such as low-grade fever or tenderness, at the injection site.

Call ur health care provider if moderate or serious side effects appear after the pneumococcal injection has been given, or if there r any questions or concerns related to the pneumococcal immunization.

DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE (CONTRAINDICATIONS)

Talk to ur doctor before receiving the pneumococcal vaccine if u have a fever or an illness that is more serious than a cold or if there is a chance u might be pregnant. The vaccine may be withheld or delayed.

Call ur health care provider if u not sure if the pneumococcal vaccine should be delayed, withheld, or only given to a specific person.


Update Date: 10/30/2006