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Beyond Pneumonia

Benefits of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

By Teri Brown

Dr. Michael Pichichero, professor of pediatrics, medicine and microbiology/immunology at the University of Rochester, says that prevention of pneumococcal infections among young children after widespread use of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine may result in decreased use of antibiotics, which in turn may slow or reverse the trend of increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance among pneumococci.

"The vaccine has prompted a shift in the type of bacteria that is causing ear infections," Dr. Pichichero says. "Total ear infections incidence has actually gone down since the introduction of Prevnar (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), as it effectively prevents infections caused by s. pneumonaie."

Dr. Pichichero does caution that while the vaccine has reduced these infections, a previously less common bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae has now become responsible for the majority of ear infections.

Dr. Pichichero says that because of this shift, physicians may need to reconsider the type of antibiotic they commonly prescribe for ear infections. Antibiotics used to fight the old s. pneumonaie bacteria often are not effective against Haemophilus influenzae.

To determine the best treatment for a child's ear infection, the doctor needs to know the specific cause, but this is difficult because a clear diagnosis requires an ear tap, which can be complicated and painful. So doctors usually prescribe a treatment for the most likely cause of the infection and might be using the wrong antibiotic. According to Dr. Pichichero, newer antibiotics, like cephalosporins, have been designed to fight both types of infections.

At any rate, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is a good bargain – it protects your child from bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and helps prevent ear infections. This means less pain for Baby and more sleep for worried parents!

Ear Infections: Signs and Treatment The most common symptoms of ear infections include evidence of pain, like crying, ear tugging or fussiness; hearing problems; fluid draining from the ear; and sometimes a fever or dizziness, says Dr. Michael Pichichero, professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester. If a child has these symptoms, it is important to see a pediatrician. A child's doctor may recommend that parents watch their child for 48 hours and wait to see if symptoms improve or worsen. Doctors in the meantime may suggest giving children ibuprofen or acetaminophen (never aspirin), placing warm compresses over the ear and maintaining a semi-upright position to reduce ear pressure. Dr. Pichichero says for children under the age of 2 or those whose symptoms linger after two days, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. If a doctor has prescribed an antibiotic, the symptoms usually begin to go away within a few days. Even if the child is feeling better, it is important to take the full course of treatment to help prevent antibiotic resistance. Please remember that the "watch and wait" recommendation does not apply to infants under 6 months, who should get medication for ear infections because they're at higher risk of contracting serious illnesses, including bacteremia, a blood infection. Also, children who are prone to ear infections and at risk for chronic problems are more likely to need an antibiotic.

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• A Shot in the Dark? Reexamining Immunizations
• It's Sniffle Time! Comforting Baby During a Cold or Flu
• Group B Streptococcus: How It Affects Mom and Baby
• Talk about it!

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