Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine For Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is a shot of medicine that helps prevent pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is an illness caused by pneumococci bacteria (germ). The germ is one of the common causes of pneumonia (lung infection). It may also cause infections in your child's ear, blood, and the covering of his brain and spinal cord. The PCV works by causing your child's body to make antibodies against certain pneumococci germs. Antibodies are special cells in your child's blood that protect his body and fight infection. When your child is exposed to certain pneumococcal germs, these antibodies become active and fight the germs.
  
  
• All children less than 2 years old should receive the PCV. They should have 4 doses, with each dose given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months. Children 2 to 5 years old who did not get all their shots, or received an older version called PCV7 may also need the PCV. Children up to 18 years old that have an increased risk of getting serious pneumococcal disease may also need the PVC shot again, even if they have received it before. Children at risk include those with HIV or weak immune system, spleen disease, cochlear implants, or leaky spinal fluid. The PCV shot is normally injected into your child's thigh muscle. Children 2 to 5 years old may only need 1 dose of the PCV. Your child should not get the PCV if he has had a bad response to a previous shot. Getting the PCV should decrease your child's risk of having pneumococcal disease.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.
  
  
• Antihistamines: This medicine may be given to help decrease itching.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Your child may need medicine to take away or decrease pain. Know how often your child should get the medicine and how much. Watch for signs of pain in your child. Tell caregivers if his pain continues or gets worse. To prevent falls, stay with your child to help him get out of bed.

Ask for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

What to expect after your child gets the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine:

Your child may have an allergic response to the vaccine. The area where the shot was given may become red, swollen, and painful. Your child may get a fever, and become fussy or irritable. He may have a decreased appetite for food and drinks. Mild responses may occur up to 7 days after getting the shot.

• If your child has a rash that spreads, has trouble breathing, or passes out seek medical care immediately . Have him lie down with his legs elevated. Keep his legs at a level that is a little above his heart. Bring your child to the nearest hospital or call 911 or your local emergency number. Tell your child's primary healthcare provider that he had a PCV shot. Tell your child's primary healthcare provider when (date and time) the vaccine was given.
  
  

For more information about the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine:

• The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
  1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
  

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child has swollen lymph nodes (glands) that are painful when touched.
  
  
• Your child has increased redness or swelling around the area where his shot was given.
  
  
• Your child is not eating or drinking.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about the PCV.

Seek care immediately or call 911 or your local emergency number if:

• Your child has hives (red, itchy bumps) or a rash that spreads all over his body.
  
  
• Your child is very weak or has a seizure (convulsions).
  
  
• Your child is wheezing or has trouble breathing.
  
  
• Your child passes out or becomes very hard to wake up.
  
  
• Your child's face turns red and swells, or his mouth becomes swollen.
  
  
• Your child will not stop crying, or is sleeping more than usual.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.