Pneumococcal Vaccine
Baby Izzah was given her third dose of Hepatitis B jab yesterday. And, also the first dose of Pneumococcal vaccine.
Imagine how loud the little princess cried when the doctor injected both of her thighs… She must has hate her paed so much…ha..ha
So, what’s Pneumoccocal vaccine?
You see, this vaccine, also called Prevnar, protects against pneumococcal (pronounced new-m’COCKL) infections - which mostly strike children under age 5. The infection can lead to some of the worst childhood diseases.
According to the World Health Organization’s current estimates, one child dies of a pneumococcal disease every minute.
Pneumococcal infection can cause ear infection, sinus infection, pneumonia, blood infection (bacteremia), and meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain). About 1 out of every 20 people who get pneumococcal pneumonia dies from it, as do about 2 out of every 10 who get bacteremia, and 3 out of 10 who get meningitis.
The infection is caused by pneumococcus bacteria, also known as Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bugs live in the mucous lining of the nose and in the back of the throat, and when plentiful enough can cause an infection in the respiratory tract, middle ear, or sinus cavities.
Pneumococcal bacteria are spread by close contact and through coughing and sneezing. Diseases such as meningitis and pneumonia can crop up within days of infection.
Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia usually include fever and chills with shaking or trembling, as well as chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and weakness.
Babies who are sent to day-care are at the highest risk of getting this terrible disease. So, it is wise to get your baby vaccinated as soon as possible.
Pneumococcal vaccine is not included in the compulsory immunisation schedule. You need to check with your baby’s doctor about the vaccine.
According to baby Izzah’s paed, she will get 3 doses of vaccine. The second dose will be given next month and the third dose will be given when she turns one and half year old.
Pneumococcal vaccine is quite pricey - about RM300+ per dose. So, total for the whole vaccine is around RM1,000.
Expensive eh? Not really. RM1,000 is nothing compared to the life of your baby!
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my son pun masa kena 2 jabs ari tuh, for the 1st cucuk still can borak wit the doc, masa 2nd jab diam kejap, then terus menangis sekuat hati. awal2 leh borak ngan doc, after dat, tgk muka doc pun tak nak.
next mth, he will be taking his 2nd jab for pneumococcal. btw u ada amik rotavirus vacine tak?
little mama:
rotavirus tu rasa nak ambik juga la..dia murah sikit dari pneumococal ni kan (dlm RM150+ per jab).. better ambik kot sebab lately ramai budak kena jangkitan rotarvirus ni, muntah2 dan cirit birit sampai lembik (lost weight)..dangerous kan.
The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at http://www.musa.org.
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at a family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and http://www.musa.org
Thank you,
Meningitis Foundation of America
P O Box 83602
Phoenix, AZ 85071
(800) 668-1129
http://www.musa.org
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