Conjugate Pneumococcal Vaccine (also known as the “Ear Infection Vaccine”)

       The ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) has recommended the pentavalent Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children less than 5 years of age and introduction into the current vaccine should be pending very soon.

       It has been proven to reduce pneumonia, Bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), meningitis and otitis media (ear infection). Unfortunately some of the most common types that cause otitis are not present in the vaccine.

      

Other Current Vaccine Issues:

1)              Mercury preservative has been taken out of hepatitis b vaccine – no further risk to newborns

2)            Rotavirus Vaccine (most common cause of “winter diarrhea”) was recalled

3)            Polio vaccine will be switched  from oral and intramuscular (shot) to an all IPV schedule (all intramuscular)

4)            Lyme disease is available for those @ risk