Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
The Newly Released Pneumococcal Vaccine | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
I would like to know your opinion about the new meningitis' vaccination. I know that Dr. Spock was completely pro-vaccinations, but some rumors about this new vaccine make me feel somehow uneasy. My daughter is 19 months old, in perfect health, and up till now she had never had any bad reaction to other vaccines. Thank you in advance for your kind reply.— Akakias' Mom in Athens, Greece | | | ANSWER |
May 14, 2001 | | | Dear Akakias' Mom,
I am pleased you asked this question. I assume that you are talking about the newly released pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar, which helps prevent pneumococcal meningitis and bloodstream infections in infants and young children. I would definitely encourage you to take your daughter to get this vaccine because it is an excellent one! It can prevent very serious infections that can cause permanent damage and even death.
So far over 10 million doses have been distributed in the United States and the reactions to it have been mild (e.g., redness and soreness at the site of injection and mild fever). For more information about this vaccine go to our article on Vaccine Information Statements and click on "Pneumococcal Conjugate" vaccine about two thirds of the way down the article.
Also, when you take your daughter to get this vaccine, be sure to check to see if she is up to date on all of her other immunizations.— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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