Top Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. The four types of pneumococcal disease are pneumococcal pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis and otitis media. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV13 is routinely given to children in a series of four doses; one dose each at 2, 4, 6 and between 12 and 15 months of age. Specific recommendations apply to children who missed their shots, started the series later, or have medical conditions such as sickle cell anemia. Consult a healthcare provider for details and specific vaccination schedule.