HEALTHNET

Is there any vaccine against pneumonia? Is it effective? What are the side effects?

Q. Is there any vaccine against pneumonia? Is it effective? What are the side effects?

A. Many viruses and bacteria can cause pneumonia, so there is no one vaccine that can protect us against all of them. In North America, a vaccine against the bacteria ""Streptococcus pneumoniae"" is advised to be given to all infants in four doses, in line with the timing of their triple vaccines to protect against serious illness caused by this kind of bacteria. This vaccine has recently been introduced to Hong Kong.

"Streptococcus pneumoniae" is also a common kind of bacteria in Hong Kong which can cause a number of serious diseases in children and adults apart from pneumonia, which include:

Meningitis (infections of the coverings of the brain)
Bacteraemia (the bacteria directly invade into the blood stream)
Otitis media (infection of the middle ear)
As with any vaccine, there may be some redness or soreness at the place where the needle went into the arm or leg. Some children may have a mild fever. Other possible side effects include fussiness, drowsiness, restless sleep, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea or a rash.

Source: Quality HealthCare