Pneumococcal Vaccine Given a Facelift

The pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar) has been given a facelift.  Protection against an additional 6 strains has been added to the vaccine.  The pneumococcal bacteria is among the more common causes of ear infections, pneumonia, and meningitis in young children, and these six strains have been increasingly responsible for a number of severe illnesses.  As a result of the new formulation, the CDC has recommended that all children between 12 months and 5 years old receive a booster dose of Prevnar (if they haven't received one yet).  We started use of this new formulation about 3 months ago, meaning children between around 15 months and 5 years old would qualify for this booster dose.  If you have any questions, please give our office a call.