For many infectious diseases, the level of risk varies at different stages of life. You can use the tool below to see your patients risk profile for otitis media. Choose the image that most closely reflects the patient's age. The information provided is based on immunisation guidelines from the Department of Health.

Since 2006, as part of the national childhood immunisation programme, all UK children under the age of two years have been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, providing protection against some of the conditions caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae such as otitis media.

Before the introduction of routine vaccination, pneumococcal infection was estimated to be responsible for half of all cases of acute bacteria otitis media.

In April 2010, the Department of Health replaced the scheduled pneumococcal conjugate vaccines Prevenar®  with Prevenar 13®  (Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (13-valent, adsorbed)) broadening the protection against pneumococcal disease.

Prevenar 13® offers protection against the same seven strains of pneumococcal bacteria as Prevenar® plus an additional six strains (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F and 19A) including the potentially life-threatening pneumococcal meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia.

Click here to view our interactive wheel showing the current routine childhood vaccinations.

Patients should be aware that getting their child vaccinated offers the best protection against this type of ear infection. For further information on vaccination click here.