Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that is caused by either fungus, bacteria or viruses and can make you feel very sick. While pneumonia can be treated at home for most babies and clears up within two to three weeks, it can get worse in infants, causing them to become very ill. Therefore, to prevent the onset of the disease, pneumonia vaccines are recommended for babies. At TEATREE Healthcare, we understand the uncertainty of illness and the importance of immunisations. Therefore, we are committed to supporting you and making sure that your child is given the best medical treatment for all the health problems.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that is usually caused by a fungi, bacteria or virus and causes inflammation in one or both lungs. The lungs air sacs or alveoli may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough, chills, fever and breathing difficulties. Pneumonia can range from being mild to life-threatening and gets most severe in infants and babies with other health problems or weakened immune systems. Therefore, the pneumonia vaccine for infants is the most effective way of protecting your child from this disease.
The symptoms of pneumonia can vary from being mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ that causes the infection, your child’s age and the overall health. A few symptoms of pneumonia may include:
- Chest pain
- Fever, sweating or shaking chills
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart beat
Therefore, to prevent your baby from the illness, it is highly recommended to vaccinate your child against the disease.
What is a Pneumonia Vaccine and How Does It Help?
A pneumonia vaccination also known as the pneumococcal vaccine is one that protects your baby against the severe and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. There are two types of vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) that are given to babies, depending on several factors that include your child’s age, the health problem, and more. However, the PCV13 is one that is commonly given to infants and young children.
Who Should Get the Pneumonia Vaccine and When?
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is one that is commonly recommended for infants as a series of four doses, one dose each at the following stages in your child’s life:
- Two months (8 weeks)
- Four months (16 weeks)
- Six months (24 weeks)
- 12 through 15 months (1 year and above)
Besides, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is recommended for babies above two years of age who have long-term health conditions such as heart or kidney conditions, HIV infection or AIDS, leukaemia, nephrotic syndrome, or more. Getting your child immunised against the illness is an ideal way of keeping your child from catching the disease. Therefore, pneumonia vaccination is important for infants to lead a healthy life.
Additional Points to Remember:
- Anyone can get pneumonia. However, some people are at a higher risk than others.
- A respiratory infection such as a cold or influenza can trigger the onset of the illness.
- A weak immune system due to disease or other disorders can worsen the condition.
We, at TEATREE Healhcare the importance of your child’s health and therefore, provide services for immunisations, one of which includes the pneumonia vaccination for babies which will help protect your baby from catching the illness. Offering immunisations for babies, we aim at making sure that your child is safe from diseases and lives a healthy life.
