Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 13) FAQs
Q: What is Pneumococcal disease?
A: Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by a bacterium called streptococcus pneumoniae. Infection can result in a number of common diseases, ranging from serious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia and pneumonia to milder but commoner infections such as sinusitis and otitis media.
Q: At what age do persons usually receive the Pneumococcal Vaccine?
A: The vaccine is given to children at 2, 4, and 6 months old. It is also recommended for persons with certain medical conditions such as those who have undergone a Splenectomy (surgical procedure to remove the spleen).
Q: What are the side effects of this vaccine?
A: As with most vaccines, side effects may include pain, tenderness or swelling at the injection site or a mild fever.
Q: Where can persons receive this vaccine?
A: The Vaccine is given to children at the Child Health clinic of their Health centre or at the Ministry of Public Health’s Vaccination Centre..