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July 12, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Benefits of Immunization"

Infectious Diseases in Children--Pneumococcal Disease

(www.idinchildren.com) (06/01/02) P. P-7; Barone, Stephen R.

Pneumococcal infections, which include bacterial meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia, and can cause otitis media, are some of the most prevalent illnesses in children, with those under two years of age at particular risk.  It is to be noted, however, that children between the ages of two years and three years and the elderly over the age of 65 years also have heightened risk for pneumococcal infections.  Following the approval of a seven-valent vaccine in February 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics said in June 2000 that it recommended all children under the age of two years receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, as well as all high-risk children between the ages of two years and five years.  Despite recommendations from professionals, many parents worry about the addition of another vaccine to the schedule of immunizations for their children, especially one as "new" as the PCV7 immunization.  Doctors can counsel parents that the vaccine uses tried-and-true technology yet can proffer significant benefits to those who have been vaccinated.  For example, though Prevnar requires more injections than many other vaccinations, a survey of 7,500 emergency department physicians indicates that children who had previously received the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and were being treated for fever underwent fewer tests and faced easier drug regimens than those who had not undergone immunization, because [invasive] pneumococcal infections [generally] could be ruled out of the diagnoses.

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ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.