• Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• When the bacteria enters the body, it can cause ear and sinus infections, as well as more serious infections such as pneumonia and meningitis, or severe long-term effects like deafness and brain damage.
• Some children are at higher risk than others.
  

• The vaccine contains seven of the most common serotypes known to cause infection in children.
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine contains aluminum phosphate adjuvant, sodium chloride, diphtheria toxoid.
• The vaccine does not contain thimerosal (a preservative containing mercury) or other preservatives.
• Pneumococcal conjugate packaging does contain latex.
  

• Children less than 24 months of age with any of the following:
• sickle-cell disease, congenital or acquired asplenia or splenic dysfunction;
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection;
• congenital immune deficiency;
• diseases associated with immunosuppressive therapy or radiation therapy including malignant neoplasms, leukemias, lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease and solid organ or stem cell transplants;
• cardiac disease especially cyanotic congenital heart disease and cardiac failure;
• pulmonary disease excluding asthma, except those treated with oral corticosteroid therapy;
• cerebrospinal fluid leaks;
• diabetes mellitus
• cochlear implant recipients (pre and/or post implant).
  

• Children who have had a severe reaction to a previous dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
• Children with allergies to any part of the vaccine or previous anaphylactic reaction to conjugate vaccine.
• Children who are sick with something more serious than a cold.
• Children who have a fever.
  

• The vaccine is given by a needle.
• The vaccine can be given at the same time as other immunizations.
  

• The vaccine is very effective in preventing serious infections such as pneumonia and meningitis caused by one of the seven most common strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• It is less effective (about 6%) in preventing acute otitis media (ear infections) in general, but quite effective against ear infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  

• Most children do not have a serious reaction. If there are reactions, they usually start within the first 5 days after immunization.
• Reactions may include:
• soreness, redness, swelling where the needle was given;
• irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
• As with any immunization, unexpected or unusual side effects can occur including:
• severe allergic reactions;
• difficulty breathing or shock.
  

• Canadian Immunization Guidelines recommend a 15-minute wait after immunization.
• For pain or swelling where the needle was given, apply warm face cloths to the area.
• Use acetaminophen to reduce fever. See a doctor if the medication does not reduce or control the fever or if the fever lasts longer than 48 hours.
• If you are concerned, call your doctor or go to a hospital emergency. Take the immunization record and inform them of the recent immunization.
• Call your local public health nurse as soon as possible about any reaction.

For more information contact:
Your local public health office OR your physician.