Some parents may hesitate to have their kids vaccinated because they're worried that the children will have serious reactions or may get the illness the vaccine is supposed to prevent. Because the components of vaccines are weakened or killed — and in some cases, only parts of the microorganism are used — they're unlikely to cause any serious illness. Some vaccines may cause mild reactions, such as soreness where the shot was given or fever, but serious reactions are rare.
The risks of Recommended Vaccinations:
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The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against pneumococcal infections. The bacterium is the leading cause of serious infections, including meningitis.
Children under 2 years old are most susceptible to serious pneumococcal infections. The pneumococcus bacterium is spread through person-to-person contact. The vaccine not only prevents the infection in children who receive it, it also helps stop its spread.
Immunization Schedule
PCV immunizations are given as a series of four injections starting at 2 months of age and following at 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months. Children who miss the first dose or may have missed subsequent doses due to vaccine shortage should still receive the vaccine, and your child's doctor can give you a modified schedule for immunization.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
The most serious infections affect children younger than 2 years old, and the vaccine will protect them when they're at greatest risk.
PCV also is recommended for kids between 2 and 5 years of age who are at high risk for serious pneumococcal infections because they have:
- sickle cell anemia
- a damaged spleen or no spleen
- HIV/AIDS
- cochlear implants
- a disease that affects the immune system, such as diabetes or cancer
- to receive medications that affect the immune system, such as steroids or chemotherapy
In addition, these high-risk children may also receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) in addition to the PCV when they're older than 24 months.
The PCV vaccine should be considered for all other 2- to -5-year-olds, especially those who are under 3 years of age; are of Alaska Native, American Indian, or African American descent; or who attend group child-care centers.
Possible Risks
Children who receive the PCV vaccine may have redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given. A child may also have a fever after receiving the shot.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
The vaccine may cause mild fever, and soreness and redness in the area where the shot was given. Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your child's doctor about the appropriate dose.
When to Call the Doctor
- if your child missed a dose in the series
- if a severe allergic reaction or high fever occurs after immunization
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The DTaP vaccine protects against:
- tetanus (lockjaw) — a nerve disease, which can occur at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound
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Immunization Schedule
DTaP immunizations are given as a series of five injections and are usually administered at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years (before starting school). After the initial series of immunizations, a vaccine called Tdap (the booster shot) should be given at ages 11 to 12. Then, Td (tetanus and diphtheria) boosters are recommended every 10 years.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
Use of the DTaP vaccine has virtually eliminated diphtheria and tetanus in childhood and has markedly reduced the number of pertussis cases.
Possible Risks
The vaccine frequently causes mild side effects: fever, mild crankiness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and tenderness, redness, or swelling in the area where the shot was given. Rarely, seizures can occur following DTaP. Most of these side effects result from the pertussis component of the vaccine. Severe complications caused by DTaP immunization are rare. Most kids have little or no problem.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if your child has an uncontrolled seizure disorder or certain neurologic diseases or seems not to be developing normally — the pertussis component of the vaccine may not be given, and your child may receive a DT (diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine instead
If your child experienced any of the following after an earlier DTaP, consult with your doctor before your child receives another injection of the vaccine: