Childhood infections are a source of perennial worry for parents of young children. Whether it be an apparently benign runny nose or a more acute otitis media, parents are often at their wits end as to the ways to protect their little ones from the pain and suffering and the potential hazards of these ailments. Given the fact that natural immunity is yet to build up in infants, childhood infections can often become life threatening.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly called pneumococcus, is a bacteria strain that causes a host of diseases ranging from pneumonia to meningitis, from middle ear infections to inflammatory conditions in the heart and other organs. Vaccination for this strain of bacteria has gone a long way in addressing this health risk. The earlier Prevnar (or PCV 7) has been the vaccination of choice to protect against 7 strain of the pneumococcus bacteria. Prevnar 13 is a newer vaccine that derives its name from the fact that it builds immunity against an additional six strain. Prevnar vaccinations are given to children on a 4-dose schedule, at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12th to 15th month. With the new vaccine, you may be wondering what you should do with regard to your child’s immunization status. Here are five facts which you should know about Prevnar 13 before your child is administered with one.
1. Prevnar 13 for children at the initial stage of vaccination
All children who have not yet commenced their vaccination schedule should now take Prevnar 13. This vaccination has been cleared by the FDA in 2010 and is recommended for use in children between the age of 6 weeks and 5 years.
2. Healthy and immunized children under 5 years of age
Children who do not have any health related conditions who are between 14 and 59 months old (under 5 years age) and have received four doses of Prevnar 7 should get a dose of Prevnar 13.
3. Immunized children under 6 years with underlying health conditions
Children between 2 and 6 years of age who have completed the vaccination series with Prevnar 7 but have related health conditions should take one dose of Prevnar 13.
4. Switching from Prevnar 7 to Prevnar 13
Any child who have started his or her Prevnar 7 course can switch to Prevnar 13 to complete the vaccination series.
5. Children between 6 and 18 years and at risk of infection
Any child who is between 6 and 18 years of age and is believed to be at a high risk for pneumococcal infections can take Prevnar 13.
