Vaccination against pneumonia for children – against pneumococcal infection

Children who have pneumonia are at risk for developing lung infections, which can make breathing difficult. Pneumococcus bacteria are one of the most frequent causes of pneumonia in children. Even though many children who receive the right care recover, some cases can become potentially fatal, particularly for younger children and those with weakened immune systems.

Pneumococcal vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent pneumonia in children. Before the bacteria has an opportunity to cause illness, these vaccinations aid in the body’s defense-building process. Parents can lower their child’s risk of developing severe pneumonia and other related infections, such as meningitis and blood infections, by vaccinating them at a young age.

Parents can make more informed decisions about their children’s health if they are aware of the advantages and workings of these vaccines. This article will discuss the benefits of pneumococcal vaccination and how it protects children from potentially dangerous infections.

Pros

• The vaccine acts on pneumococci, protecting the child from pneumonia, endocarditis, otitis, meningitis, arthritis and other infections caused by this type of streptococcus. Even if the disease appears, its course will be mild.
• Pneumococcal vaccines rarely cause adverse reactions.
• There are very few contraindications to this vaccination.

Cons

• Vaccine components, although extremely rare, can cause severe allergic reactions.
• The Prevenar vaccine does not contain all pneumococcal serotypes that can cause infections in children.
• Children with weakened immune systems do not tolerate this vaccination well.

Contraindications

There is no vaccination given if:

• The child has been diagnosed with intolerance to the pneumococcal vaccine.
• The child has an acute illness or any chronic illness has worsened.
• The child"s body temperature is elevated.

Pneumococcal vaccinations are canceled in cases of intolerance and postponed until the child heals in other situations. Three to four months after a blood transfusion, vaccinations are administered. A child’s condition will rapidly worsen if you vaccinate them despite contraindications.

Watching the following video will teach you even more about pneumococcus.

Side effects

Although side effects from the pneumococcal vaccine are uncommon, they are typically manifested as:

• The appearance of a lump at the injection site, soreness, and redness. Occurs in 5% of babies.
• A slight increase in temperature in 1% of children.
• Drowsiness, tearfulness, irritability, decreased appetite, lethargy.

Possible complications

Pneumococcal vaccine introduction may result in an allergic reaction that manifests as urticaria, bronchospasm, or anaphylactic shock. If a premature baby receives the vaccination, he might not be able to breathe.

Additional issues could be:

• A severe local reaction – redness and swelling of more than 8 mm on the limb.
• High body temperature – more than 39 degrees.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Abscess at the injection site.
• Diarrhea and vomiting attacks.
• Exacerbation of a chronic disease.

Is it possible to prevent complications?

You must watch the child for two to three weeks prior to the pneumococcal vaccination date in order to prevent a reaction to the shot. You can safely vaccinate against pneumococcus once you have confirmed that the infant is fully healthy, that his body temperature is normal, that there is no hyperemia in the oropharynx, that there is no runny nose, and that chronic diseases are under control.

You are not required to leave the medical facility for at least half an hour following vaccination in order to ensure that there isn’t an allergic reaction to the shot right away. It is best to restrict the infant’s contact with strangers for a few days following the vaccination.

Is it worth getting vaccinated?

Given that children under the age of two are particularly vulnerable to pneumococci, vaccination against these bacteria can be justified. All of the illnesses against which this vaccine offers protection are extremely dangerous and serious for young children.

Pneumococci can become active due to any past medical condition, including a common cold. Furthermore, prompt pneumococcal vaccination vaccination is the best form of prevention. Children who are already weak should receive this vaccination more than others because it increases their risk of pneumonia.

Vaccination schedule

Currently, two foreign medications are used to treat pneumococcal infection vaccinations: the French medication Pneumo-23 and the American vaccine Prevenar. Infants as young as two months old can receive the first vaccination, while older children can only receive the second vaccine.

Pneumococcal vaccinations can be administered in conjunction with any other vaccination, except BCG. Injections are administered in various body parts in this instance.

Pneumococcal vaccinations are given in accordance with the following schedule, which varies depending on the infant’s age:

1. Babies from two to six months are given the vaccine 3 times (the interval between vaccinations is from 1 to 1.5 months), after which a revaccination is performed at 11-15 months.
2. Children over seven months to 23 months are vaccinated twice (the interval between vaccinations is the same), and the child is revaccinated at the age of two.
3. After 2 years, the vaccine is administered once.

Opinion of E. Komarovsky

A well-known pediatrician suggests immunizing kids against pneumococcal infection because doing so can help prevent serious illnesses. Meningitis is the most serious pathology that pneumococci can cause. A third of babies who survive such a disease have neurological issues, and the disease frequently results in death. 90% fewer cases of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae occur as a result of vaccination.

Furthermore, pneumonia poses a serious risk to young children. With such infectious lesions, there is a significant risk of breathing difficulties and pulmonary edema in children younger than two years old. Additionally, otitis is harmful to a baby’s hearing and an unpleasant infection. If the child receives their vaccinations on time, there is also a chance that these diseases will be avoided or lessened. Pneumococcal vaccination is regarded by Komarovsky as a safe medication.

Vaccination before one year

A child receives vaccinations for only Prevenar during the first year of life. The vaccine is given three times within a year; typically, babies receive the shots at three, four, and five months of age.

Preparation

An examination and determination of the child’s current state of health are necessary prior to administering a pneumococcal vaccination. When your pediatrician sees healthy children, it is ideal to schedule your vaccination appointment for that day. This will stop sick kids in the line from simultaneously catching ARVI. Antihistamines should only be given to kids who have allergies.

A vital first step in safeguarding children’s health is immunizing them against pneumonia, with a focus on pneumococcal infection. Serious side effects that can be particularly harmful for young children, such as blood infections, meningitis, and lung infections, are less common with this vaccine. Parents can ensure a safer and healthier future for their child by getting vaccinated, which can significantly lower the risk of their child developing these illnesses.

How the injection is given?

The intramuscular administration of the pneumococcal vaccine is used. Children under two years old receive the injection in the front thigh muscles, and children over two years old receive the injection in the shoulder (into the deltoid muscle).

What to do if side effects occur?

The injection site needs to be properly cared for if it becomes red, dense, and painful. Although the child can be bathed, applying a compress or plaster to the injection site or using antiseptics is not advised.

An authorized antipyretic medication may be given to the child if their temperature increases. It is crucial that parents get in touch with a pediatrician right away if they see that their child’s condition is getting worse and that the vaccination’s side effects are staying.

Vaccination against pneumococcal infection plays a vital role in protecting children from serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. Children who receive this vaccine can lower their risk of developing life-threatening illnesses by developing strong immunity at a young age.

Vaccinating children is one of the best ways to support their health, and parents want the best for their children. Talking about vaccinations with your child’s physician can help allay worries and ensure that your child stays on course.

In the end, educating yourself and your child about the importance of vaccinations and other preventative measures contributes to a healthier future for everyone involved.

Video on the topic

Vaccination against pneumonia for children – against pneumococcal infection

Pneumococcus. Pneumonia vaccination.

Pneumococcal vaccination – Dr. Komarovsky – Inter