Parental Concerns: Pneumococcal Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to use pneumococcal vaccine in addition to other vaccines on the routine immunisation schedule?

A: YES, pneumococcal vaccines can be given as part of the routines immunisation schedule and may be administered at the same time as other childhood vaccine -DTP or DTPa, Hib, OPV or IPV, Hepatitis B Vaccine, MMR and varicella vaccines

Q: Will vaccines have any adverse effects on my child?

A: Vaccive likes drugs, may have some side effcets but most children are vaccinated with few problems. As with most vaccines administered by injection, common side effcets include soreness and redness at the injection site or fever. These problems are usually not serious and if the occur do not last very long.

Serious side effcets are rare with modern vaccines and risk associated with vaccination are small compared with the serious risks of not getting vaccinated.

Q: Do vaccines really work? I heard that the disease can be caught even if vaccinated?

A: Although vaccination significantly reduces the chances of catching the disease a small possibility of developing the disease is still exists. As vaccines gain widespread public use, large reductions in the incidence of disease are recorded.

Q: When is the right age to vaccinate against Pneumococcal disease?

A: Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for infants and youn children as early as 2 months to 5 years of age. The number of doses taken by a child is dependent on the age. The dosing schedule should be consulted for appropriate administration.

Q: Is there any reason why my child should not be given the vaccine?

A: Most children can be vaccinated. But a limited number shoul not - usually because of certain allergies or medical problems, or in situations where the risks outweigh the benefits.

Q: How will i know if my child develops an adverse reaction to the vaccine?

A: On the rare occasion that a child may have an allergic reaction, they may rect within minutes or a fews hours of injection. Symptoms may include wheezing or breathing difficulties, hives, weakness, paleness, racing heart, dizziness and/or swelling of the throat. Please consult your doctor if this happen.