My daughter is 6 months old. When should she get the new vaccine that helps to ward off ear infections?
By Lillian Beard, M.D.
The FDA recently approved a vaccine called Prevnar that targets seven strains of streptococcal (Pneumococcal) bacteria. These bacteria are the major common culprits causing meningitis and middle ear infection in infants and young children. The complete series consists of four injections between the ages of 2 to 23 months. This vaccine is not expected to prevent all ear infections, but it should have a significant impact. Ask your pediatrician whether or not your daughter might be a candidate for this vaccine.
Lillian Beard, M.D.
Pediatrics
Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American
Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical
professor at the George Washington University School
of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.
She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national
television programs, discussing issues related to children's health.
Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.
