Serum Institute has a new vaccine to tackle pneumonia and sinus
Synopsis
The Serum Institute of India has come out with a new Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, which it claims counters bacteria that can cause illnesses like pneumonia, which causes infection of the lungs.
The Serum Institute of India has come out with a new Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, which it claims counters bacteria that can cause illnesses like pneumonia, which
causes infection of the lungs.
Pneumococcal bacteria are one of the most common causes of pneumonia. Besides, they are also the cause of infections linked to ear, sinus, meningitis (infection of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord) and Bacteremia (bloodstream infection).
SSI, the biggest vaccine maker in the world, claims that Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine of PCV 13 can be administered to children over 2 years of age with certain medical conditions, adults 65 years or older, and cigarette smokers.
The company claims that infants and young children usually need four doses of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, at two, four, six, and 12–15 months of age.
Are there any side-effects?
According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a dosage of PCV13 can cause redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness where the shot is given.
Other side-effects include fever, loss of appetite, fussiness, feeling tired and headache.
If administered at the same time as the inactivated influenza vaccine, children may be at increased risk for seizures caused by fever after PCV13.
As is the case with any medication, the CDC says, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injuries, or death.