"The New Vaccine"
(Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
Why another
vaccine?
To prevent serious invasive bacterial disease and meningitis caused by
streptococcal pneumonia (pneumococcus)
What
is pneumococcus?
It's the most common cause of invasive bacterial disease and bacterial
ear infections in children. It is also one of the two most common bacterial
causes of meningitis in young children.
Who is
most at risk for pneumococcus?
1) Infants, young children, elderly
2) Those with HIV, immunodeficiency, sickle cell, nephrotic syndrome,
diabetes, chronic lung disease
3) Those without a spleen
What is
the vaccine scheduele?
Primary series to be given at:
1) 2 months
2) 4 months
3) 6 months
Booster dose
at 15
months.
A catch up schedule is available as we are recommending the shot for infants
less than 23 months old.
Will
insurance pay for it?
Most will, but some have not committed yet.
How does
the vaccine work?
There are 90 different types of pneumococcal disease. However, seven of
these types cause about 80% of pneumococcus in the US. It is these 7 types
that are included in the new vaccine.
It is believed that we will also see a decrease in the amount of other subtypes causing disease due to a process called "cross reactivity". Studies show a >90% protection against invasive bacterial disease and meningitis.
Will
it work for ear infections?
It's difficult to answer this question. Most predictions and studies indicate
only a 10% reduction. It may reduce infections from pneumococcal types
that do not commonly respond to the common (1st line) antibiotics.