Pneumococcal vaccination

Having your child vaccinated against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria probably won't reduce their number of ear infections. We need more research to know if this vaccine helps protect some children.

What is it?

This vaccine helps prevent infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause ear infections in children, as well as some more serious diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis and bacteraemia (an infection of the blood).

Your child will be offered vaccination against pneumococcal bacteria at the same time as other routine childhood immunisations. The vaccine is given by injection usually at 2, 4 and 13 months of age.

Two types of vaccine are used to protect against pneumococcal infection. Both of these vaccines protect against several types of pneumococcal bacteria. The type of vaccine your child is given and the number of doses they get depends on their age.

• Young children are given the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (or PCV for short). This protects against various types of pneumococcal bacteria that can affect young children.
• Some children are more at risk of getting a pneumococcal infection. They may have heart or lung problems, a weak immune system or have had a pneumococcal disease before. These children may also be offered the pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (or PPV for short), usually at 2 years of age or older.

How can it help?

It can't. You're unlikely to notice any difference in the number of ear infections your child gets because they have been vaccinated against pneumococcal infections.

But more studies are being done to find out if pneumococcal vaccination can prevent ear infections in children who are more at risk. This includes children who keep getting ear infections or have a weak immune system.

Why should it work?

Pneumococcal bacteria are a common cause of ear infections in children. Pneumococcal vaccines aim to immunise children against pneumococcal infection. The vaccines help your child's body make antibodies ahead of time. These antibodies protect your child from illness should he or she get infected with pneumococcal bacteria.

Can it be harmful?

The pneumococcal vaccine doesn't usually cause any problems. Your child's arm may be slightly sore and have a lump where it is injected, but this should soon go away. Or your child may get a mild fever for a day or so.

Rarely, some people react badly to the vaccine. You should get urgent medical help if your child gets breathless, swelling or a rash within a few days of immunisation.

What's the evidence for pneumococcal vaccination