Pneumococcal infections

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal
infections including meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia.

The most serious
pneumococcal infections happen during the first 2 years of life which is why older
children do not need to be vaccinated.

Children are vaccinated at two, four
and 13 months old.

The recommended period of time between the first two
pneumococcal vaccinations is two months to allow your baby’s body to build up
an immunity to the disease. A third dose is given at 13 months old to further
boost your baby’s immune system.

The vaccine is given by injection into
a muscle, usually in baby’s thigh or the top of his arm.

Side effects

All
vaccines can have some side effects, which usually show up within 12 to 24 hours
of the vaccine being given.

Side effects with the pneumo vaccine are usually
mild and last for a short time. Common side effects are local redness, swelling
and tenderness around the site of the injection. Very rarely, your child may have
fever or flu-like symptoms.

Approximately one in half a million children
suffer an extreme reaction to a vaccination known as anaphylaxis. This happens
within a few minutes of receiving a vaccination and may cause difficulties breathing.
It is quickly and easily treated by trained staff.

• What
  is immunisation?
• What
  protection levels do vaccines offer?
• Natural
  immunity
• The diseases your child can be vaccinated against
  
• The
  vaccination timetable
• Why should I immunise my child?
• What to expect on the day
• What
  if my baby is premature?
• Contradictions
• Should
  I have my child vaccinated?
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