What is pneumococcal infection?

Pneumococcal infection is caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. It can cause serious illness in children. This includes pneumonia, infection in the blood, and meningitis (infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord). In young children, pneumococcal infection often causes ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss, or rarely more serious complications, such as meningitis.

Can you prevent pneumococcal infection in your child?

The best way to prevent the infection is with a vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine is a shot that helps protect against some of the many types of pneumococcal bacteria. There are currently two types of vaccines:

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. PCV15 and PCV20 have replaced PCV13. This vaccine protects against the 15 and 20 common types of pneumococcal bacteria, known to cause severe illness in children. It can also help prevent some ear infections. PCV20 protects children by preparing their bodies to fight the bacteria. Adults with some health conditions can also get this vaccine.

• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. PPSV23 is also called Pneumovax. This vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It is used only for kids who received PCV15 or an even earlier version and have certain health conditions that increase their risk for pneumonia. Kids who receive PCV20 do not need to get PPSV23.

It's also important for your child to get a flu shot every year. The flu may increase the risk of getting pneumococcal disease.

When is PCV15 or PCV20 given?

PCV15 or PCV20 is a routine childhood vaccine. Pneumococcal vaccines are given as a series of 4 shots at these ages:

• 2 months

• 4 months

• 6 months

• 12 to 15 months

Older children with certain medical conditions may need additional pneumonia vaccines. Children 2 years and older who were not vaccinated need 1 dose of PCV20.

What are the risks from PCV15 or PVC20?

The most common reactions to PCV15 or PVC20 include:

• Pain and redness at the location where the shot was given.

• Drowsy, irritable or fussy behavior.

• Fever.

• Muscle aches.

A vaccine, like any medicine, can very rarely cause severe side effects. These can include a severe allergic reaction. An allergic reaction would most likely occur within a few minutes to a few hours of the shot. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Trouble breathing.

• Swelling of the face or throat.

• Wheezing (squeaking sounds while breathing).

• Weakness.

• Fast heartbeat.

• Hives.

• Paleness.

Call911right away or get immediate medical care if your child has any of these problems.

How can you care for your child after the PCV15 or PCV20 vaccine?

Give your child a pain reliever, as directed by your child's health care provider. Don't give your child any products that contain aspirin.