Vaccine against pneumococcus to prevent pneumonia and meningitis

• April 18, 2024

Pneumococcus is a bacterium that causes diseases serious, such as otitis media or pneumonia . It can also pass into the bloodstream causing meningitis and blood infections that put in danger the life of the child.

Figures from UNICEF indicate that 1.1 million children in their early childhood die from pneumococcal and rotavirus infections. One of the main problems caused by this bacterium is pneumonia, which infects and destroys the tissue of the lungs and prevents breathing.

Pneumococcal infection in babies is common. There is a connection between ears, nose, mouth, throat and lungs. It starts with fever and general malaise, which at first can be confused with a simple cold, but if it is not recognized, it becomes seriously complicated.

The pneumococcal vaccine is included in the national vaccination scheme and is applied at two, four and six months of life, in addition to a booster at one year of age.

The pneumococcal bacteria is transmitted through direct contact, for example by touching a person without the necessary hygiene measures, such as washing hands; and for the droplets of saliva from infected children, which others breathe and therefore get infected.

(Source: UNICEF and GlaxoSmithKline)

Video Medicine: Pneumococcal Disease & Streptococcus pneumoniae (April 2024).