Kids should be vaccinated against pneumococcus

The National Child Care Association is urging parents across the country to have their children vaccinated against pneumococcus, the leading bacterial cause of serious bloodstream infections called bacteremia and potentially fatal meningitis in young children.

Children enrolled in daycare centers are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease because of close contact with other youngsters.

About 60 percent of all U.S. children under age 6 attend child care. In addition to these youngsters, pneumococcal disease most frequently strikes children under age 2 and children with compromised immune systems.

The pneumococcal vaccine, called Prevnar, was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last February. Prevnar is now available in physicians’ offices.

Meningitis is an infection in the lining of the spinal cord and brain.

Symptoms may include fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and photophobia. It can be fatal or cause severe neurological deficits such as deafness, blindness, paralysis and mental impairment.

Bacteremia is an invasive infection that can lead to serious complications including meningitis, pneumonia and arthritis with fever.

The pneumococcal bacteria is also the leading cause of ear infections and pneumonia in children. Unfortunately, pneumococcal disease is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics traditionally used to treat it.

"Vaccines represent one of the most effective ways to help combat the spread of infectious diseases, such as pneumococcal disease, particularly in child care settings," said Lynn White, executive director, National Child Care Association.

"We urge parents and healthcare providers to make sure that children get this new vaccine. In the meantime we will support efforts to ensure that it is added to the list of vaccines required for children prior to entry into child care."