Is it too late to get the 13-valent vaccine at nine months?

It is generally considered rather late to receive the 13-valent vaccine at nine months of age.

The 13-valent vaccine, also known as the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine, is primarily intended for infants aged 6 to 15 months. A total of four doses are usually required: the first three doses are recommended at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age as primary immunization, followed by a booster dose between 12 and 15 months to ensure sustained immunity in infants.

The first dose should ideally be administered by 6 weeks of age, with subsequent doses given at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks. If the initial dose has not been administered by the time the infant reaches 6 months of age, vaccination is no longer recommended.

The 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine is particularly important because infants under 2 years old have relatively weak resistance to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Infection with this bacterium can lead to severe pneumonia; therefore, vaccination provides significant protective benefits.

Additionally, parents should ensure that infants do not have colds or fever before vaccination. If any health concerns arise, medical advice should be sought promptly. In daily life, it's important to encourage infants to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.