Childhood protection against otitis media

Getting children vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect them against serious diseases.  The pneumococcal vaccination can offer protection against one of the most common types of otitis media caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Since September 2006, it has been offered to all children under two years of age as part of the UK national childhood immunisation programme.

Protect against otitis media

• Babies and children are more vulnerable to otitis media as they are still developing and growing
• It can protect them from others around them who are suffering from infectious respiratory diseases
• Vaccinated children are less likely to be a source of infection to others
• Vaccination will reduce the risk of unvaccinated individuals being exposed to infection. This concept is sometimes called ‘herd immunity’

Is it otitis media?

Anyone can get otitis media but children are much more likely to suffer than adults, as their immune systems are still developing.  You can also check whether your young patients are at greater risk of developing otitis media by clicking here.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pfizer Vaccines supplies Prevenar 13®  (Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (13-valent, adsorbed)) for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease, in infants and children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Click here to view the product information.