PCV vaccine gives protection against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria that all cause Pneumococcal disease. There are over 90 different types of pneumococcal bacteria, and they cause a range of problems including ear infections and pneumonia (serious chest infections). Pneumococcal disease can also cause life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and septicamia (blood poisoning).

Doctors recommend that all children get the vaccine.The best way to protect against pneumococcal disease is by getting the pneumococcal vaccine (also called PCV13). PCV13 is a shot for infants and toddlers. It helps prevent pneumococcal disease, and it also helps stop the disease from spreading from person to person.

The vaccine’s protection lasts at least 3 years. Because most serious pneumococcal infections happen during the first 2 years of life, the vaccine protects children when they are at greatest risk.

How is PCV transmitted

Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person-to-person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus, mainly when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Many people, especially children, have the bacteria in their nose or throat at one time or another without being ill. This is called “carriage. Children at increased risk for pneumococcal disease include those:

• Younger than 2 years old 

• In group child care 

• Who have certain illnesses (sickle cell disease, HIV infection, or chronic heart or lung conditions) 

• With cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (escape of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord)

Symptoms of Pneumonia

There are many types of Pneumococcal disease. Symptoms and complications depend on the part of the body that is infected. Pneumococcal pneumonia (lung infection) is the most common serious form of pneumococcal disease. Symptoms include Fever and chills, Cough, Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing & Chest pain.

Pneumococcal meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include Stiff neck, Fever, Headache, Pain when looking into bright lights & Confusion. In babies, meningitis may cause poor eating and drinking, low alertness, and vomiting. Pneumococcus bacteria causes up to half of middle ear infections. Symptoms include Ear pain, A red, swollen ear drum, Fever & Sleepiness.

Available Brand names for PCV vaccine

PCV has about a 97% effectiveness rate in preventing pneumococcal disease in healthy children who received all four vaccine doses.

Vaccination Schedule & doses

Routine vaccination:

• Minimum age: 6 weeks

• Both PCV10 and PCV13 are licensed for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age (although the exact labeling details may differ by country). Additionally, PCV13 is licensed for the prevention of pneumococcal diseases in adults >50 years of age.

• Primary schedule (For both PCV10 and PCV13): 3 primary doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks with a booster at age 12 through 15 months.

Catch-up vaccination:

• Administer 1 dose of PCV13 or PCV10 to all healthy children aged 24 through 59 months who are not completely vaccinated for their age.

• For PCV 13: Catch up in 6-12 months: 2 doses 4 weeks apart and 1 booster; 12-23 months: 2 doses 8 weeks apart; 24 mo & above: single dose

• For PCV10: Catch up in 6-12 months: 2 doses 4 weeks apart and 1 booster; 12 months to 5 years: 2 doses 8 weeks apart

• Vaccination of persons with high-risk conditions:

  • PCV and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine [PPSV] both are used in certain high risk group of children.

  • For children aged 24 through 71 months with certain underlying medical conditions, administer 1 dose of PCV13 if 3 doses of PCV were received previously, or administer 2 doses of PCV13 at least 8 weeks apart if fewer than 3 doses of PCV were received previously.

  • A single dose of PCV13 may be administered to previously unvaccinated children aged 6 through 18 years who have anatomic or functional asplenia (including sickle cell disease), HIV infection or an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implant or cerebrospinal fluid leak.

  • Administer PPSV23 at least 8 weeks after the last dose of PCV to children aged 2 years or older with certain underlying medical conditions.

Special Condition

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for children between 2 years and 5 years of age who:

• Have Sickle Cell disease

• Have a damaged spleen or no spleen

• Have a cochlear implant

• Have a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak

• Have HIV/AIDS

• Have other diseases that affect the immune system, such as Diabetes, Cancer or liver disease

Conditions under which PCV vaccine should be avoided

• Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a dose of this vaccine, to an earlier pneumococcal vaccine called PCV7, or to any vaccine containing diphtheria toxoid (for example, DTaP), should not get PCV13.

• Anyone with a severe allergy to any component of PCV13 should not get the vaccine. Tell your doctor if your child being vaccinated has any severe allergies.

• If the person scheduled for vaccination is not feeling well, your healthcare provider might decide to reschedule the shot on another day.

Possible Side Effects of PCV13 vaccine

The most common problems reported among children were:

• Fussiness

• Sleepiness

• Loss of appetite (not wanting to eat)

• Soreness, redness, and swelling where the child got the shot

• Fever

Even though serious allergic reactions are rare with these medicines, call your doctor right away if your child has trouble breathing, a high fever or anything unusual after having the shot.

There are things thatparents can do before, during and after vaccine visits to make them easier and less stressful.

Before the Visit

• Make the vaccination appointment.

• Read any vaccine materials you received from your child’s health care professional. Learn more about the benefits & side effects of Polio vaccine.

• Take your child’s personal immunisation record to your appointment.

• Get enough food and pacifiers for the baby so that they remain diverted throughout the session.

• Get to the vaccination appointment on time and stay calm.

During the vaccination

• Hold your child firmly on your lap whenever possible during the vaccination.

• Distract your child by cuddling them and engaging them in their favorite toys.

After the vaccination

• Cuddle and comfort your child.

• Review any information your doctor gives you about the shots, especially the Vaccine Information Statements that outline which side effects might be expected after PCV vaccination.

• Mild fever and soreness in the area where shot was given is common. Check with your doctor to see if you can give Ibuprofen for pain or fever and their appropriate dose.

• Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, or unusual behavior. If a serious allergic reaction is going to happen, it will usually happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. Call a doctor or take your child to a doctor right away.

• Tell your doctor what happened, when it happened and when the vaccination was given.