New Vaccine Gives Children Extra Protection

Sunday, May 09, 2010 03:20 AM

Prince George, B.C. - Beginning this June, the routine childhood immunization program in B.C. will include Prevnar 13, a vaccine that offers protection against 13 strains of pneumococcal disease.

Approved by Health Canada late last year, Prevnar 13 is the successor to Prevnar 7, which protects against seven strains of disease-causing bacteria and has been administered in B.C. since 2003 as part of a child's routine immunizations. The new vaccine protects against six additional types of bacteria that infect the blood, middle ear, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and other parts of the body.

Children will receive three shots of the vaccine - at two, four and 12 months of age. Since the introduction of this vaccine, pneumococcal rates in children under five years old have dropped by more than 70 per cent.

Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria which attack different parts of the body and is spread from one person to another by coughing, sneezing or close face-to-face contact. It can also be spread through saliva when people share things like food and drinks.

Previous Story - Next Story