(VIS) ‘What is pneumococcal disease?’
Doctor Linny Kimly Phuong: Pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacteria which lives in the nose and throat. It is spread through the air through tiny particles or droplets of fluid that are made when people who are infected cough or sneeze. When it causes disease, this can be invasive or non-invasive. Less invasive infections include infections of the eye and ear, and more invasive infections are those affecting the brain, lungs, heart, bone and joints and the bloodstream.
(VIS) ‘What happens if my child gets pneumococcal disease?’
Doctor Phuong: Depending on which part of the body is infected, pneumococcal infections can cause all sorts of different issues. Ear infections can lead to long-term hearing issues. More invasive infections such as those affecting the brain, lungs or bloodstream, can often lead to hospitalisations with intensive care admissions and can be fatal.
(VIS) ‘What vaccine will protect my child?’
Doctor Phuong: Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the disease. On the National Immunisation Program, children in Australia receive a vaccine that strengthens immunity to many strains of the bacteria which cause pneumococcal disease. Children should receive the free vaccine at 6 weeks, 4 months, and 12 months for the best possible protection. Children with risk factors for invasive disease will often be advised by their health professional to receive additional pneumococcal vaccines.
(VIS) 'How does the vaccine work?’
Doctor Phuong: The vaccine contains an inactive and safe form of the bacteria and trains your child’s immune system to recognise and protect against the infection. If they get the disease, the vaccine can make the illness milder and shorter and can protect against meningitis, which causes inflammation to the brain and spinal cord, and pneumonia.
(VIS) ‘What are the common reactions or side effects?’
Doctor Phuong: Your child may experience mild reactions to the vaccine which usually disappear within a few days. Common reactions include redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site, body aches, a mild fever and tiredness.
(VIS) ‘What impact has vaccination had on the prevalence of the disease?’
Doctor Phuong: The pneumococcal vaccines have resulted in a large decrease in rates of invasive infections due to pneumococcal disease.
(VIS) ‘Where to find more information’
Doctor Phuong: Always speak with your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations. For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org au/childhood.
In this video, Dr Linny Phuong shares how you can protect your child from pneumococcal disease with free vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program.