Pneunococcal disease is cause by bacterial infection called streptococcus pneumonia also called pneumococcus that can infect the lungs (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia) the membrane that covers the brain (meningitis), and the ear (otitis media). The diseases are most likely to strike in the dry season, but there are cases year round.

Symptoms of pneumococcal Disease?

The most common symptoms are chills, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a severe cough. Some people vomit or have seizures.

How is pneumococcus spread?

Pneumococcus is spread by direct contract with respiratory secretion from patient and healthy carriers, who may carry pneumcoccaus in their nose or throat.

Common types of pneumococcal Disease?

Common disease includes pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia, sinusitis and bronchitis.

Who are most at Risk?

Children fewer than 5 years of age and especially those under two years of age are most at risk of developing and dying from pneumcoccal disease.

Treatment for the disease?

The disease can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin and cotrimoxaxole.

How is the Disease prevented?

The can be prevented by vaccination. The vaccine protects against severe forms of pneumcoccal disease, such as meningitis, pneumonia and bacteraemia.

Doses of vaccine to be used in the EPI?

Pneumococcal vaccine for infant is given by intramuscular injection. The dosage is 0.5ml, given at 2, 3, and 4 months.

How safe is the vaccine?

The pneumcoccal conjugate vaccine is safe.no severe adverse reaction attributable to the vaccine have been reported.

Contrandications to pneumococcal vaccine?

Severe allergic reaction to a prior dose. Infects with a moderate or severe illnes

(temperature=39c). Sources expanded programme on immunisation and health education unit under ministry of health and social welfare.