WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is the pneumococcal vaccine? The pneumococcal vaccine is an injection given to protect your child from pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The infection may cause pneumonia or an ear infection. Pneumococcal disease is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine? - Children usually receive 4 doses:
- The first dose at 2 months
- The second dose at 4 months
- The third dose at 6 months
- The fourth dose at 12 to 15 months
- Children at high risk for pneumococcal disease may need one or more doses of the vaccine. Any of the following can increase your child's risk:
- Long-term heart disease or long-term lung disease
- Diabetes
- A cerebrospinal fluid leak
- A cochlear implant
- Sickle cell disease
- A damaged or removed spleen
- HIV infection
- Kidney failure or cancer
- An organ transplant or weak immune system
What if my child misses a dose of the pneumococcal vaccine? Your child will need 1 vaccine dose if he is 2 to 5 years old and is not completely vaccinated. If your child misses a scheduled dose of the vaccine, the remaining shots should still be completed. Ask your child's healthcare provider when to return for the next dose. Who should not get the pneumococcal vaccine or should wait to get it? - Your child should not get the vaccine if he has had an allergic reaction to the vaccine or any component of the vaccine.
- Your child should wait to get the vaccine if he is sick or has a fever.
What are the risks of the pneumococcal vaccine? The area where the vaccine was given may be red, tender, or swollen. Your child may get a fever and be fussy or irritable. He may have a decreased appetite. He may still get pneumococcal disease, even after he gets the vaccine. Your child may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening. Call 911 for any of the following: - Your child's mouth and throat are swollen.
- Your child is wheezing or has trouble breathing.
- Your child has chest pain or says his heart is beating fast.
- Your child faints.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your child's face is red or swollen.
- Your child has hives that spread over his body.
- Your child says he feels weak or dizzy.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child has increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
- You have questions or concerns about the pneumococcal vaccine.
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