The Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) Vaccine

The pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause drug-resistant infections in the brain (meningitis), lungs (pneumonia) and blood (sepsis). It is especially dangerous to infants and toddlers.

Adults are usually immune to pneumococcal bacteria, but many children are not. That means adults who do not feel sick can spread it to each other, and to children.

These infections can be resistant to antibiotics and may cause death. Every year, tens of thousands of children suffer from these infections.

The pneumococcal vaccine was first introduced in the 1970s, and the version for children was introduced in 2000.

North Carolina Requirements for Children

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is needed to enter child care programs and kindergarten:

• Three doses before age 7 months (usually at age 2, 4 and 6 months).
• One dose beforee age 12 and 15 months.

Children who have passed their 5^th birthday are not required to get the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

See the official details of North Carolina's dosage requirements, including the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Recommended Doses for Others

See Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Side Effects

The pneumococcal vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

If side effects happen from the pneumococcal vaccine, they most often include pain where the vaccine is given, fever, decreased appetite or irritability.

Young children who get the pneumococcal vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time may be more likely to have a seizure caused by a high fever, called a febrile seizure. Although scary, febrile seizures do not cause long-lasting effects. Ask your vaccine provider for more information.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

• Pneumococcal: The Disease and Vaccines (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
• History of Pneumococcal Disease (College of Physicians of Philadelphia)
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Information Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.