Is it necessary for a 3-year-old child to receive the 2-valent or 3-valent pneumococcal vaccine?
In general, it is necessary for 3-year-old children to receive the 2-valent or 3-valent pneumococcal vaccine. The specific analysis is as follows:
Pneumonia is a common and serious disease in children, especially in toddlers around the age of three whose immune systems have not yet fully matured. Pneumonia may cause symptoms such as fever, cough, and rapid breathing; severe cases can lead to difficulty breathing, pleural effusion, and even life-threatening complications. Moreover, children tend to recover relatively slowly from pneumonia, which may negatively affect their normal growth, development, and daily life. The 2-valent and 3-valent pneumococcal vaccines can effectively prevent pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, one of the primary pathogens responsible for childhood pneumonia. Vaccination stimulates the child's immune system to produce specific antibodies, which can then act against pneumococcal invasion, significantly reducing the risk of developing pneumonia.
After vaccination, some mild adverse reactions may occur, such as local redness, pain, or fever. These reactions are usually temporary and resolve on their own within a few days. If adverse reactions persist or worsen, medical advice should be sought promptly.