Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) Safety and Efficacy

The vaccine protects against several severe forms of pneumococcal disease, including meningitis, pneumonia, and bacteraemia. It is essential to note that pneumococcal vaccines will not protect against these conditions if they are caused by agents other than pneumococcus or from strains of pneumococcus that are not contained in the vaccine. The vaccine that will be introduced in Zimbabwe in 2012 will protect against 13 common types of pneumococcal serotypes and is thus commonly referred to as PCV13. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is safe and well-tolerated, with severe adverse reactions attributable to the vaccine being extremely rare. Mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site and transient fever of about 39°C have been reported in less than 5% of children vaccinated. Pneumonia and meningitis are among the most common causes of death and disability in children. Vaccines can help to greatly reduce children's risk of contracting pneumonia and meningitis. The Hib and pneumococcal vaccines are very safe and effective for protecting against the two most common and serious bacteria-causing childhood pneumonia and meningitis. It is essential that children receive all three doses of PCV13 vaccines before the age of one year (at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks). Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been proven to be safe and well-tolerated even among children infected with HIV, malnutrition, and sickle cell disease. In addition to immunization, children can be protected from pneumonia by exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of the child's life, good nutrition, reducing overcrowding, and hand washing with soap. Although it may be uncomfortable for the child to receive two injections at the same time, the benefits outweigh the risk of contracting and managing pneumococcal diseases. PCV13 vaccine is safe, and occasional mild reactions, including fever or local reactions, may occur. Serious side effects are rare but should they occur, the child should be taken to the nearest health facility.