For years physicians have recommended children ages 2 and older receive a pneumococcal vaccine to help prevent life-threatening diseases. Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommend that instead of waiting two years to protect your child, parents should have their children vaccinated to prevent these diseases before age 2. Pneumococcal is a group of illnesses caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus.
Early immunization is very effective in preventing disease, disability and death in children.
Recent studies have found that children under age 2 who attend day care are at great risk of contracting a variety of diseases. PCV7 also helps prevent some ear, throat and sinus infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends PCV7 for use in children 23 months old and younger. Children 24 to 59 months old who are at high risk of pneumococcal infection should also be given the vaccine. This includes children with sickle cell disease, HIV infection and children who have weakened immune systems.