Childhood protection against pneumonia

Pneumonia particularly affects the very young, older people and those in whom infection is more common because of underlying conditions. Getting children vaccinated is the best way to protect them against serious diseases.

The pneumococcal vaccination can offer protection against one of the most common types of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Since September 2006, it has been offered to all children as part of the UK national childhood immunisation programme.

The Hib vaccine is also part of the national childhood immunisation programme and offers infants protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b that can cause pneumonia as well as meningitis.

Protect against pneumonia

• Babies and children are more vulnerable to pneumonia as their immune system isn’t fully developed
• Pneumococcal vaccination can protect against the most common kind of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Vaccinated children are less likely to be a source of infection to others
• Vaccination will reduce the risk of unvaccinated individuals are being exposed to infection. This concept is sometimes called ‘herd immunity’

What it pneumonia?

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung tissue, which usually occurs as a result of an infection. The infection causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and fill with fluid, so the lungs do not work properly and not enough oxygen can get into the bloodstream.

Anyone can get pneumonia but children are much more likely to suffer than adults, as their immune systems are still developing.

Is it pneumonia?

To see what symptoms to look out for click 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.