From Our Partner
What is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal Disease (PD) is an infection caused by a type of bacteria (or germ) called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause pneumonia if it invades the lungs, it can cause meningitis if it invades the bloodstream and/or the tissues and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord and it can cause middle ear infection and sinus infections. Some of these illnesses can be very serious for young children.

There’s no way to tell who will get sick from this germ. In Canada, between 800 and 1,000 people get meningitis and blood infections each year. And there are about 400,000 cases of middle ear infections. It’s important to remember that these infections could also be caused by other germs.¹

Some children are at more risk than others. Children who are under the age of two, have weak immune systems and have chronic diseases are at greater risk of complications. Young children who attend daycare or who have taken antibiotics within the past three months may also be at risk.²

There are more than 90 different types of pneumococcal bacteria; however, only a few types account for most of the serious diseases.³ Pneumococcal disease has traditionally been treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin and cephalosporins. More recently, certain strains of the bacteria have emerged that are resistant to one or more commonly used antibiotics.⁴ This makes prevention of pneumococcal disease through vaccination even more important.

The pneumococcal vaccine is available in two forms—one can be given to infants as young as 6 weeks and the other form can be given to children 2 years and older.  Both forms of the pneumococcal disease vaccine are given through a needle and have been evaluated for safety and efficacy, like all vaccines authorized for use in Canada.⁵ Side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine are usually very mild. Your child may have a slight fever, be a fussy sleepier or have less appetite than usual. Your child’s arm or thigh might be a bit red or sore where the needle went in. Some children will have a mild fever. Other possible side effects may include allergic reaction, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or hives. These side effects usually happen 12 to 24 hours after the immunization and usually go away within a few days.⁶ More serious side effects may occur, It’s important to talk to your doctor and ask any questions you might have about immunization.

The Good News: There are options out there to help protect your child. Vaccine programs get updated regularly. There have been recent changes to the vaccination schedules. It’s always good to ask your doctor if your child is up-to-date with their vaccines.

¹ www.caringforkids.cps.ca
² www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
³ Health Canada website
⁴ National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
⁵ www.nfid.org
⁶ Public Health Agency of Canada website