What can be done?

Difficulties in diagnosing and then treating pneumococcal infections make prevention an important weapon in fighting these diseases. Meningococcal meningitis is often associated with septicaemia producing the tell-tale non-blanching rash which is important to look out for. However, pneumococcal meningitis is less often associated with septicaemia therefore the rash is not so often helpful in its diagnosis. Treatment of a pneumococcal infection would normally be with antibiotics.

In 2000, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine – 7 Valent was introduced in National Immunization Program (NIP) of USA, it was also introduced in Canada, currently, it is included in the NIP of 36 countries such as, UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Mexico, Costa Rica, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Oman & UAE.

The vaccine offers protection against sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, bacteraemia and acute otitis media (middle ear infections), caused by the pneumococcal types included in the vaccine.

Parents need to consult their treating physician or follow the approved Immunization Schedule in their relevant country noting that not all countries have approved schedules. Please review approved schedules here.

Children and infants under the age of five, and classed as at-risk will receive, the conjugate vaccine. According to ACIP (A derisory committee & Immunization practice in 2008) The number of doses will depend on Previous doses & prevenar^®.

To see full information on the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, please click here.