Pneumococcal Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is intended to prevent infection caused by the bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae , implicated in pneumonia, otitis media (ear infection), some forms of meningitis, and sinusitis. Currently there are over 90 known pneumococcal types.
Prevnar®
Prevnar® or PCV7 is made by Wyeth and has been recommended in the USA from 2000 for children under 23 months. This is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, containing 7 strains of pneumococcus. It is conjugated to diphtheria or tetanus protein using similar manufacturing technology as for the Hib and Meningitis C vaccines.
In the UK at present it is only used for those in the above "at risk" groups. From September 2006, infants aged 3, 4 and 15 months in the UK will be given Prevnar® alongside their other routine vaccines. Prophyactic antipyretics (e.g. Calpol® and Nurofen®) are recommended when Prevnar® is given with Whooping Cough (5-in-1 vaccine) because of the increased rate of febrile convulsions. This may only serve to mask or suppress potentially dangerous vaccine reactions in your infant.
Wyeth lists the adverse reactions as:
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wheezing, croup, asthma, ear infections
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redness, urticaria [rash], hardness, tenderness of limb
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decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea
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fever, irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, fussiness
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febrile convulsions when mixed with the Whooping Cough vaccine
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allergic reactions, hives, swelling of face, lips and tongue
Prevnar® is also marketed as a vaccine to prevent acute ear infections and sinusitis, however it is unlikely to be effective in many cases because a significant number of ear and sinus inflammations are associated with viruses and bacteria other than the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The vaccine does not treat the underlying problem as bacteria are not the cause of disease. It is important to address the child's health holistically.
Pneumovax®
This is a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, introduced in 1983. This contains 23 strains of pneumococcus, and is used for adults and children over 2 years.
The vaccine is routinely offered to those over 75 years or at increased risk of pneumococcal disease, and is often given at the same time as the Flu vaccine. From April 2005, the vaccine will be offered to those aged 65 years or over. Among those with increased risk are:
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People who have had a splenectomy (removal of spleen)
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Those with sickle cell disease
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Diabetics on medication or insulin
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Those with severe asthma on inhaled or oral steroids
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Children under 5 years who have previously had pneumonia or pneumococcal meningitis
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Those with serious lung, heart, liver or kidney disease
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Those whose immune systems are weakened by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or HIV
Vaccine Contents for Prevnar® & Pneumovax®
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NB: does not contain Thiomersal (mercury).