Toddler age is a group that is susceptible to pneumonia. To maintain their health, children need to get Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV vaccine) which is part of a complete immunization in a timely manner, no exception in the adaptation period of new habits like now.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a lung infection caused by the pneumococcal bacteria or Streptococcus pneumonia. Pneumococcal pneumonia in infants is characterized by a number of symptoms, namely shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, cough, loss of appetite, to bluish lips and nails due to lack of oxygen (hypoxia).
Pneumonia, a Serious Threat to Toddlers
Pneumococci are bacteria that can cause various health problems in toddlers. Although most of the symptoms caused by this bacterium are mild, there is still the possibility of developing a fatal disease or causing long-term complications.
There are many people, especially children, who unknowingly carry the pneumococcal bacteria in their nose and throat. Initially, these bacteria may not cause symptoms. However, from time to time pneumococci can enter the lungs and cause pneumonia. Complications that can occur include atelectasis, inflammation of the lining of the heart (pericarditis), and bacteremia.
In addition to pneumonia, these bacteria can also cause children to get acute ear infections that can lead to deafness, sinusitis, sepsis, meningitis, to permanent brain damage and death.
Prevent Pneumococcal Pneumonia with PCV Vaccine
Although pneumococcal pneumonia can threaten the safety of toddlers, you don't need to worry too much because this disease is included in PD3I, which is a disease that can be prevented by immunization. Therefore, parents are strongly advised to meet the immunization schedule for their little one.
Just remember the following easy steps "Healthy Sense Prevents Pneumonia":
- Beware of the danger of pneumonia
- Get to know the causes and symptoms
- Let's immunize PCV to prevent it
- Do it at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months.
PCV immunization to prevent pneumonia can be done at the age of 2, 4, 6 months, and booster at 12-15 months of age. If your child is 7–12 months old and has not received PCV immunization, the PCV immunization is given 2 times with a distance of at least 1 month, with an additional 1 dose. boost at 12-15 months of age.
If your child is 1-2 years old and has not received PCV immunization, the PCV immunization is given only 2 times with a maximum distance of 2 months. However, if your child is over 2 years old and has not received the PCV immunization, the PCV immunization is only given once.
Immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic or the adaptation period for new habits as it is now still needs to be done according to schedule, including PCV immunization. Although it cannot prevent COVID-19 directly, giving the PCV vaccine can prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and its life-threatening complications.
If you are still confused or in doubt, consult with your doctor to get the best solution regarding the schedule or place of immunization during the adaptation period for new habits. To make things easier, you can chat doctor directly in the ALODOKTER application.
