Hopping In with Information about Pneumococcal!

🐰 It protects children from illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a type of bacteria. This germ can lead to serious infections like pneumonia, blood infections, and meningitis, especially in babies and toddlers.

🐰 Pneumococcal bacteria can infect different parts of the body. Some of the most serious problems include:

• Pneumonia (lung infection)

• Meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord)

• Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)

 It can also cause ear infections and sinus infections, which are more common but still painful.

 🐰 The bacteria can spread through coughs, sneezes, or close contact. Many children can carry pneumococcal bacteria in their nose or throat without looking sick, but they can still spread it to others.

 🐰 Since the vaccine was first introduced, serious pneumococcal infections have gone down in the U.S. Despite that, the bacteria still exist, and unvaccinated children, especially under age two, are more likely to get sick.

🐰 The CDC recommends four doses of the PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine):

 • First Dose – 2 months

 • Second Dose – 4 months

 • Third Dose – 6 months

 • Final Dose – 12 months

 🐰 Symptoms depend on where the infection is. Pneumonia might cause coughing, fast breathing, or chest pain. Meningitis can lead to fever, stiff neck, vomiting, or confusion. Ear infections can cause ear pulling, fussiness, and trouble sleeping. If you think your child has symptoms of a pneumococcal infection, notify their pediatrician immediately.

  🐰 The PCV vaccine protects against the most common and dangerous types of pneumococcal bacteria. There are many strains, and while the vaccine doesn’t cover every single one, it prevents the ones that cause the most serious illness in young children.