Tuesday, 03/06/01

State may require new 'pneumonia vaccine' for day-care children

By WARREN DUZAK
Staff Writer

The state is considering requiring a new vaccine — one that could eliminate some life-threatening childhood illnesses and painful inner-ear infections — for all children entering day care.

Marketed under the brand name Prevnar, it is a sort of kids' version of what's commonly called the ''pneumonia vaccine'' for adults. It attacks the seven most common kinds of pneumococcal infections that strike children under the age of 2, including deadly pneumococcus meningitis.

''We are talking about a vaccine that not only keeps a child well, but prevents them from developing absolutely devastating illnesses,'' said Jerry Narramore, director of immunization with the state Department of Health.

It has been offered for several months at Metro's Lentz Health Center by the county health department.

''It will also reduce the occurrence of the most severe sort of middle ear infection, which, though not life-threatening, is hugely bothersome,'' said Dr. Bill Schaffner, infectious diseases specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

In most cases, it will eliminate the need for placing tubes in a child's ears, a common practice to promote drainage. It also will eliminate the need for multiple doses of antibiotics to cure infection.

Dr. William Davidson, the chief of pediatrics at Baptist Hospital, said a four-dose treatment of the vaccine costs $320. But Prevnar is so effective that many insurance companies are including it in their coverage, he said.

Narramore said parents whose insurance companies will not pay and who cannot afford the vaccine can obtain it at no charge through public health departments around the state.