At present, a significant threat to the he alth and life of children is not rare viruses, but the most common pneumococci. These microbes are constantly mutating and becoming increasingly resistant to most antibiotics. They have become much more aggressive, respectively, much more dangerous for kids. The younger the child, the more destructive pneumococcus is for him, since immunity has not yet been formed. To date, the safest vaccine against the disease is Prevenar (an intramuscular injection).
What is this
A vaccine is a medicine that contains a very "weakened" pathogen (antigen). In order for the patient to receive protection from the disease, contact between the individual's blood leukocytes and the microbe is required. This is likely only in two cases: through vaccination or, undesirably, through infection. The introduction of the vaccine contributes to the production of antibodies to the antigen, which is introduced in a harmless volume and significantly weakened form. This excludes the possibility of a real disease. The second case is more dangerous, because the disease is provoked by an uncontrolled pathogen.
It is also worth noting that the Prevenar vaccine (reviews of which are far from unambiguous)considered highly processed, clinically tested and fairly safe.
What diseases do bacteria cause
Pneumococcal infections are a type of contagious disease caused by bacilli of the category Streptococcus pneumoniae. These include:
- bacterial otitis media;
- angina;
- meningitis;
- pneumococcal pneumonia.
Vaccination schedule
A mandatory condition for such a procedure is to follow the scheme:
- For babies from 2 months to six months, the event is carried out according to the 3 + 1 plan. The rate of the vaccine is 0.5 ml. Initial 3 doses given 1 month apart, final at 15 months of age.
- Children from 7 to 11 months old are vaccinated with Prevenar 13 at the same dosage, but only according to the 2 + 1 scheme, the intervals are the same, the final administration is carried out in the second year of the child's life.
- From 1 to 2 years old, vaccination is carried out in the same dosage, but only twice with 2-3 month breaks.
- From 2 to 5 years, the vaccine is given once in the amount of 0.5 ml.
At the time of the procedure, the baby must be examined by a doctor and he althy.
How does the drug affect the human body
"Prevenar 13" contains over 90% of Streptococcus pneumonia serotypes, which provoke acute otitis, resistant to antibiotics. Each serotype is a part of the destroyed microbe (a polysaccharide of a certain composition). If a vaccination against pneumococcal infection "Prevenar" is given, thethe immune system of the body, that is, the production of antibodies occurs. This is a characteristic type of protein that can create an antigen-antibody association and neutralize the negative impact of a foreign pathogenic bacterium.
While leukocytes fight against a weakened strain of bacilli, an immune "memory" is formed. And with the next penetration of a harmful bacterium of the same type, the body will already have a ready-made remedy for the fight. Therefore, secondary infection for the most part takes place in a mild form.
Risk categories and performance
The Prevenar 13 vaccine (the instructions for which will be described later) is recommended for all people at risk, namely:
- immune-compromised patients, especially those with leukemia and HIV carriers;
- old people and small children;
- patients who develop sepsis (with a removed spleen or cellular anemia);
- persons in contact with sources of infection;
- people with traumatic brain and spinal injuries;
- adults with chronic cardiovascular pathologies, diseases of the liver, lungs, and diabetics.
Vaccination "Prevenar 13" (reviews about it can be read in this article) has proven to be effective when administered to patients at risk in 85-90% of cases. Such vaccinations have a beneficial effect on the immune system and even the longevity of patients, making it possible to reduce the risk of serious consequences and severe forms of infection.
Complications and contraindications
This pneumococcal vaccine has some restrictions on its use:
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- high body temperature;
- 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy;
- severe ailments;
- Severe allergic reaction to previous vaccinations.
"Prevenar" (vaccination) is capable of provoking local reactions that are found in 5% of situations and manifest as slight itching and redness in the injection area. General reactions in the form of dizziness, fatigue or a slight increase in temperature are felt by no more than 2% of patients. Such symptoms are harmless to he alth and disappear in 2-3 days after vaccination. But still, allergic reactions after vaccination can be expressed in different ways. In this situation, you need to visit a specialist.
Vaccination reactions in children
After the "Prevenar" (vaccination) is done, reactions will occur anyway. Although the antigen is weak, in the process of developing immunity, symptoms of malaise will still appear. Although in a mild form, the child will still get sick. There are several indicators of a natural response to a drug:
- Temperature rises slightly to 37.5 degrees.
- Trembling against her background.
- Redness and induration in the area where the Prevenar 13 vaccine was given (reviews of such reactions can be heard from almost anyone).
- Rejectionfood, anxiety, lethargy.
These indicators are considered normal and disappear in 2-4 days. At this stage, the baby needs rest. Communication with other children should be minimized, and if possible, refuse to attend kindergarten. After three days, the child should be shown to the pediatrician.
What reactions are considered unnatural
Very rarely, but there are special reactions of the human body to the introduction of the vaccine:
- disorder of consciousness (absurd state, fainting);
- temperature over 38 degrees;
- the occurrence of a sharp inflammation in the injection area;
- growing reaction, one day after injection.
If any of these symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor. A high temperature is possible both as an abnormal condition and as an individual reaction within the normal range.
"Prevenar" (vaccination): instructions
For children under 2 years of age, the vaccine is administered intramuscularly into the lateral surface of the thigh, and for adults and older children - into the deltoid brachial muscle once at a dose of 0.5 ml. Intravenous administration of the drug is strictly prohibited. Patients with poor blood clotting need to do subcutaneous injection. Before use, the syringe with the vaccine should be shaken well until a homogeneous suspension is obtained. If foreign grains are found when examining the syringe, such a medication cannot be used.
Parents' opinions
Vaccination "Prevenar" reviews of parents have collected very mixed. Some consider such prevention to be very effective, while others, on the contrary, are not sure of its effectiveness and fear side effects.
Expert reviews of the Prevenar 13 vaccine are also diverse. Some admire the favorable results of vaccination, others point out that the drug contains an insufficient amount of serotypes. And those antigens that should be present are not in the Prevenar vaccine.
Vaccination in Russia is not mandatory. Its price is quite high - from 3000 to 4500 rubles. But still, it’s better not to save on your he alth, but to carry out the necessary vaccinations on time.
