Pneumococcal Vaccine (Prevenar)
Vaccination schedule
-
2 months
-
4 months
-
1 year
The disease
Pneumococcus bacteria cause infectious diseases, including respiratory infection, meningitis, blood infection (sepsis), pneumonia, and ear infections. Infants and children up to 5 years old are at higher risk of developing illnesses. These bacteria contribute to 60% of bacterial meningitis cases. About 20% of children who suffer from bacterial meningitis die from the disease, whereas others remain with various nervous system injuries that lead to hearing loss, paralysis, and mental retardation.
Symptoms of pneumococcal disease include fever. If the infection is in the respiratory tract, common symptoms include middle ear infection, sinusitis, nasal congestion, headaches, pneumonia, shortness of breath, coughing, and thick mucus emission. If the infection reaches the bloodstream or the brain and spinal cord, symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, a stiff neck, fever, and blurred consciousness.
The vaccine
The pneumococcus vaccine is called Prevenar, and it protects against 13 of the most prevalent strains of pneumococcus in children, which usually cause severe morbidity. The vaccine is extremely important, especially because numerous antibiotic medications are no longer effective in combating this bacterium.
| Name of vaccine | Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
| Prevenar – PCV13 | Components of the envelope of 13 pneumococcus strains | By injection to the thigh |
The influence of the vaccine in Israel: in 2009, the pneumococcus vaccine was introduced as part of routine vaccinations in Israel. Since then, there has been a 67% decrease in morbidity among children under 5. Morbidity in children between 5 and 17 years old has also decreased, which is attributed to a reduction in the pool of patients and carriers. Moreover, there has been an 80% decrease in morbidity caused by pneumococcus strains resistant to antibiotics.
Possible side effects and how to relieve them
A small portion of the vaccinated individuals may experience side effects after vaccination, but these are usually mild and resolve in a day or two:
-
Redness, pain and swelling at the injection site -
Fever -
General discomfort -
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea -
Extremely rare phenomena
- Redness and pain at the injection site and local swelling: you can apply a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
- Fever: you can administer an analgesic to help relieve pain or reduce a fever.
- A general sense of discomfort: appetite loss, prolonged crying, restlessness and irritation, and drowsiness. To help relieve the baby's pain or reduce their fever, you can give them an analgesic, hold them in your arms, and breastfeed them.
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea: it is recommended to feed the baby often in small portions and monitor urine production and color.
- Very rare phenomena: seizures (not considered dangerous), allergic skin rash.
When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency medical center after the vaccination
- If your child appears apathetic.
- If fever lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
- If there are changes in appetite and eating patterns beyond 24-48 hours.
- In cases of seizures (often related to fever but should be examined).
- If any other phenomenon causes concern.