When Can My 10-Month-Old Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine After Flu Shots?

After receiving the influenza vaccine, when can I get the pneumococcal vaccine?

Hello, I would like to ask about my child who is currently 10 months old.
He received his first dose of the vaccine on October 3 and the second dose on November 28.
When can he receive the pneumococcal vaccine? Is it required to wait until he turns one year old? Can it be administered simultaneously with the varicella vaccine, or when should it be scheduled? What is the recommended interval between vaccines? If we plan to wait until after he turns one, there may be potential conflicts with the varicella vaccine that is due at 12 months, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine that is due between 12 to 15 months, the Japanese encephalitis vaccine that is due at 15 months, and the combination vaccine that is due at 18 months.
If it is not urgent, can we wait until he is two years old to receive the pneumococcal vaccine? At that time, what type of vaccine should be administered, and will it be the same valency as the one given at one year?

Xue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/11/30

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

1.
Except for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, which requires a one-month interval, other routine pediatric vaccines can generally be administered simultaneously, but they must be given at different injection sites.
(If administered at different times, a two-week interval is sufficient.)
2.
In Taiwan, pneumonia is more commonly seen from late autumn to spring (September to May), which is currently the epidemic period.
Since the timing of disease occurrence cannot be precisely predicted, if financially feasible (three doses for infants at 10 months), vaccination should be carried out as early as possible and according to the vaccination schedule.
3.
The seven-valent vaccine (for infants) is a protein-conjugate vaccine, while the 23-valent vaccine is a polysaccharide vaccine - non-conjugated, with an efficacy of 57% (only suitable for children aged 2 years and older).
The seven-valent vaccine (suitable for infants over 2 months old) has a protection rate of 97.4% (meaning that out of 100 vaccinated infants, 97.4 will have protection—very high but more expensive).
Parents should choose vaccines specifically designed for infants and young children.

Reply Date: 2007/11/30

More Info

When it comes to vaccinations for your 10-month-old child, particularly regarding the timing of the pneumococcal vaccine after receiving flu shots, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
First, it’s essential to understand the recommended vaccination schedule for children. The pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) is typically administered in a series of doses, with the first dose given at 2 months of age, followed by additional doses at 4 months, 6 months, and a final booster dose at 12-15 months. Given that your child is currently 10 months old and has already received the first two doses of the pneumococcal vaccine, the next dose is ideally scheduled between 12 to 15 months of age.

As for the flu vaccine, it is generally recommended that children receive the flu vaccine annually, starting at 6 months of age. There is no specific waiting period required between receiving the flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine. Therefore, if your child has received the flu vaccine, you can proceed with the pneumococcal vaccine as soon as they reach the appropriate age for the next dose, which is after they turn one year old.

Regarding your question about the possibility of administering the pneumococcal vaccine alongside the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, it is generally safe to administer multiple vaccines during the same visit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that several vaccines can be given at the same time, as this does not compromise the effectiveness of the vaccines or increase the risk of adverse effects. However, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician to ensure that your child’s vaccination schedule is tailored to their specific health needs.

If you are considering delaying the pneumococcal vaccine until your child is two years old, it is important to note that while it is possible to receive the vaccine later, it is not ideal. The pneumococcal vaccine is crucial for protecting against serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and other severe illnesses. Delaying the vaccine could leave your child vulnerable to these infections during a critical period of their development.

When your child reaches two years of age, they would typically receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) if they have not yet received the recommended doses of PCV13. The PPSV23 is a different formulation that provides protection against more strains of pneumococcal bacteria compared to the PCV13. The number of serotypes covered by the vaccine increases with age, and it is important to follow the recommended schedule to ensure optimal protection.

In summary, your child can receive the pneumococcal vaccine after they turn one year old, and it can be administered alongside other vaccines like the varicella vaccine. It is advisable to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule to ensure your child is adequately protected against preventable diseases. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to address any specific concerns regarding your child's vaccination plan.

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