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Pneumococcal Vaccine
Vaccine schedule
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2 months
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4 months
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1 year
About the Disease
Pneumococcal bacteria cause infectious diseases, including respiratory tract infections, meningitis, bloodstream infections (sepsis), pneumonia, and ear infections. Children up to age 6 are at increased risk of developing these diseases. These bacteria are responsible for 60% of cases of bacterial meningitis. About 20% of children who develop meningitis die from the disease, while others are left with various types of nervous system damage that can cause deafness, paralysis, and intellectual disability.
Symptoms of the disease include high fever. If the infection is in the respiratory tract, common symptoms include middle ear infection, sinusitis, congestion and headaches, pneumonia, shortness of breath, and a cough that produces thick mucus. If the infection spreads to the blood or to the brain and spinal cord, common symptoms include headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, fever, and confusion.
The Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is called Prevenar 20 (Prevenar 20 – PCV20), and it protects against the 20 most common strains of pneumococcus in children, which cause most cases of severe illness from these bacteria. Infants in at-risk groups will receive 4 doses. The vaccine is especially important because many antibiotics are no longer effective against the bacterium.
| Vaccine Composition | How the Vaccine Is Given |
| Components from the outer coating of 20 pneumococcal strains | By injection into the thigh |
Impact of the vaccine in Israel: In 2009, the pneumococcal vaccine was added to the routine immunization schedule in Israel, and since then there has been a significant decrease in severe illness caused by this bacterium among children under 6 years of age. Illness among children ages 6–17 has also decreased because the number of people who are sick or carry the bacterium has declined. In addition, there has been an 80% decrease in illness caused by antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal bacteria.
Duration of protection
After completing the full vaccination series, long-lasting protection is provided against the pneumococcal strains included in the vaccine.
Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them
Side effects may occur after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own within a day or two.
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area for relief, and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Feeling generally unwell: There may be loss of appetite, prolonged crying, restlessness, irritability, or drowsiness. You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain, hold the baby in your arms, and breastfeed as much as possible.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: These may occur occasionally. You can try offering small amounts of food frequently and monitor urination.
- Seizures: It is important to seek medical attention. Seizures are usually associated with fever and are not considered dangerous.
- Allergic skin rash: It is important to seek medical attention to identify the rash and continue monitoring it.
When to Contact Your HMO or a Medical Center After Vaccination
- If your baby seems apathetic.
- If a fever does not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If changes in appetite or eating patterns do not go away after 24–48 hours.
- If seizures occur. They are usually related to a rise in body temperature, but it is important to seek medical attention.
- If you notice anything that causes you concern or worry.