Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine Free for Young Children in Taipei?

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Is the pneumococcal vaccine free for children registered in Taipei County? Are there any other special conditions? My younger brother is about to turn 2 years old, and I noticed that your hospital offers this vaccine.
Until when will this service be available? Is the vaccine provided by your hospital the 7-valent or 23-valent? Is it covered by insurance or is it out-of-pocket? If it is out-of-pocket, what is the cost? Thank you for your response.

Wei Sheng Ma Mi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/04/09

Dr. Hong Shuokun reply Pediatrics

Dear Parents,
Our hospital is collaborating with the Taipei County Health Bureau to provide free 7-valent pneumococcal vaccines for children aged 2 to under 5 years who are registered in Taipei County and have not previously received the vaccine.
Please bring the original household registration and the child's health booklet to the pediatric outpatient clinic for vaccination.
It is advisable to call the pediatric clinic at extension 2133 beforehand to check the availability of the vaccine.
This policy is currently ongoing with no set expiration date.
Additionally, we also offer self-paid pneumococcal vaccines, including both 7-valent and 23-valent options.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2009/04/09

More Info

In Taipei County, the pneumococcal vaccine is indeed available for free for young children, specifically for those who are between the ages of 2 and 5 years old and have not previously received the vaccine. To qualify for the free vaccination, parents must bring the original household registration book and the child's health booklet to the pediatric outpatient clinic. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm the availability of the vaccine, as supplies may vary.

The pneumococcal vaccine offered in this program is the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). This vaccine is designed to protect against seven types of pneumococcal bacteria that are responsible for serious infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is also available but is typically recommended for older children and adults, particularly those with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems.

If a child does not meet the criteria for the free vaccination program or if the parents choose to have their child vaccinated outside of this program, they can opt for the self-paid vaccination. The cost for the self-paid pneumococcal vaccine is approximately NT$2,000 per dose, but this can vary by clinic or hospital. Parents should inquire about the specific type of vaccine being administered, as both the 7-valent and 23-valent vaccines may be available.

Vaccination against pneumococcal disease is crucial for young children, as they are particularly vulnerable to infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. These infections can lead to serious health complications, including hospitalization. The pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of these infections in vaccinated populations.

In summary, for young children in Taipei County, the pneumococcal vaccine is free under specific conditions, and parents should ensure they have the necessary documentation when seeking vaccination. It is also important to stay informed about the types of vaccines available and their respective costs if opting for self-paid options. Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting children's health and preventing serious infections.

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