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Pneumococcal Vaccines

Pneumococcal vaccines are given to protect against infection from several types of pneumococcal bacteria. Infection with pneumococcal bacteria can cause invasive pneumococcal disease.
 
Pneumococcal-containing vaccines may be provided for free as part of routine immunizations in British Columbia.

For more information about the vaccines, who should get them, the benefits and possible reactions, click on the links below to go to the specific HealthLink BC files.

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV 7), Prevnar® 

  • Three shots given to children at 2, 4 and 12 months of age
  • The vaccine is given at the same time as other childhood immunizations
  • An additional vaccine may also given to children who are considered to be medically 'high risk'

 

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine, Pneumovax® 23

  • An additional vaccine which protects against more types of pneumococcal bacteria
  • Not part of the routine immunization schedule for children
  • Provided for free for people at high risk
  • Given to people 2 years of age or older who have certain medical conditions

Web Resources

Last Updated: November 5, 2009
 

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Provincial Health Services Authority

PHSA improves the health of British Columbians by seeking province-wide solutions to specialized health care needs in collaboration with BC health authorities and other partners. For more information, visit http://www.phsa.ca

PHSA agencies include: BC Cancer Agency, BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, BC Mental Health & Addiction Services, BC Provincial Renal Agency, BC Transplant, BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre, and Cardiac Services BC.