Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by bacteria called streptococcal pneumoniae. Pneumococcal vaccine is available for use in children to prevent pneumococcal disease. This vaccine is marketed under the name Prevnar. Prevnar protects against 7 different types of pneumococcal bacteria.

Prevnar is for use only in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 10 years. Health experts believe that becoming infected with pneumococcal disease (such as pneumonia or meningitis) is more dangerous to your child's health than receiving the vaccine. Like any vaccine, Prevnar may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Administration
Four doses of the Prevnar vaccine are given for complete immunization against pneumococcal infection. Doses are usually given at:

• 2 months
• First dose no sooner than 6 weeks
• Should have 2 months between each injection
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12-15 months

If your child is already 6 months or older, he or she can receive Prevnar on the following schedule:

• 7-11 months:
• Two injections at least 4 weeks apart
• A third injection after the child turns 1 year; at least 2 months after the second injection
• Age 12-23 months
• Two injections at least 2 months apart
• Age 2-9 years:
• One injection

Side Effects
Mild problems:

• Soreness at the site
• Redness
• Swelling
• Hard lump at site
• Crying
• Fussiness
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

More serious problems:

• High fever
• Seizure
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Severe pain at injection site
• Allergic reactions:
• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Pale and sweaty
• Severe weakness
• Fast heart beat
• Dizziness