PCV, also known as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, provides protection against pneumococcal infections which are caused by streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Pneumococcal infections may result in life-threatening invasive infections such as:
The PCV vaccine used in the UK is Prenavar 13. You can read about the ingredients here.
In Wales, babies are routinely offered the vaccine at:
The vaccine is given as an injection in your child's thigh muscle. The vaccine can also be given in your child's upper arm.
Babies and young children under 2 years old are at high risk of pneumococcal infection. They cannot naturally protect themselves from the bacteria.
Pneumococcal disease is the name for a group of infections caused by a germ called pneumococcus. These infections can be mild, like sinus or ear infections, but some are very serious and can lead to:
How does pneumococcal disease spread?
The germs that cause pneumococcal infection spread easily through coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with spit or mucus.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of a pneumococcal infection can vary, depending on the type of infection you have. Common symptoms include:
What are the types of pneumococcal infection?
Pneumococcal infections usually fall into one of 2 categories:
Non-invasive pneumococcal infections include infections of the ear or sinuses.
Invasive pneumococcal infections include infections of the blood, bones, joints, lungs and brain.
Which babies may need extra pneumococcal vaccines?
Some babies under two years old may need extra pneumococcal vaccines. For example, those with:
Are there any children who should not have a pneumococcal vaccine?
There are very few reasons why children cannot be vaccinated:
Speak to the person giving your baby the vaccine if your baby has had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or ingredients in the past.
Speak to your doctor, practice nurse or health visitor before having the vaccine if your child:
What are the common side effects?
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and may last a day or two.
The most common side effects in babies and children include:
For all side effects and for more information about the vaccine, please go here.
If your child has a raised temperature and seems unwell after having the vaccine, you can give them paracetamol liquid. Read the instructions on the bottle carefully and give your child the correct strength and dose for their age.
Rarely, people can have a severe reaction soon after vaccination, which causes breathing difficulties and may cause them to collapse. This is called an anaphylactic reaction, and it can also happen with other medicines and food. These reactions are extremely rare, affecting less than one in a million people. Staff who give vaccinations are trained to manage these reactions.
People who have an anaphylactic reaction can be successfully treated and usually recover within a few hours.
If you have any questions or concerns about side effects, you can ask the person giving your baby the vaccine, visit NHS 111 Wales or contact NHS 111 Wales by calling 111.
You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card scheme. You can do this online at Yellow Card or by calling the Yellow Card scheme hotline on 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Can the vaccine be given if my child is unwell on the day of the appointment?
If your child has a minor illness without a fever, such as a cold, they should have their vaccinations as normal. If your child is ill with a fever on the day the vaccination is due, delay the vaccination until they are better.
Why are booster doses needed?
Babies need more than one dose to build strong, long-lasting protection.
Each dose helps the immune system strengthen its response to the diseases covered by the vaccine.
The first dose starts teaching the immune system how to recognise these diseases.
The second dose helps build stronger protection.
Having all recommended doses helps provide the best possible protection against pneumococcal infections
What happens at the appointment?
The practice nurse or GP will explain about the vaccinations and answer your questions. With babies, the vaccine is given by injection in the thigh. In children over the age of 12 months, injections are usually given in the upper arm.
Write down any questions you have and ask the health professional at the vaccination appointment.