PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE

Prevnar 20 (20 valent pneumococcal vaccine, PCV20) and Pneumovax (23 valent pneumococcal vaccine, 23PS). Prevnar 20 and Pneumovax are vac- cines that are given to prevent diseases caused by a bacteria named streptococcus pneumonia. This bacteria causes several serious infectious diseases such as bacteremia (bacterial infection of the blood), meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord), and pneumonia. Less serious diseases such as sinus infections and ear infections (otitis media) are also caused by this bacteria. In recent years, this bacteria has developed significant resistance problems to many antibiotics which is problematic. This is why Prevnar 20 is so important. 

The AAP recommends the routine use of Prevnar 20 (PCV20) for all children five years of age and younger. Children with severe, recurrent or complicated otitis media (ear infections) also may experience a modest benefit from the Prevnar vaccine. Studies have shown that in children who received Prevnar Vaccination, the incidence of clinically diagnosed otitis media (ear infections) was reduced. The frequency of tympanostomy tubes was also reduced.

The incidence of adverse reactions was low and limited to local reactions of redness or swelling at the site of injection. The incidence of fever was 26% when given with other routine vaccines. Serious adverse reactions have not been a problem. Fever and fussiness are treated with acetaminophen.