Pneumonia

Are all pneumococcal vaccines covered by the VICP?

No, all pneumococcal vaccines are not covered by the VICP. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines given in the U.S. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), which is administered routinely to infants and children up to age 5, and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23), which is given to adults age 65 and older and individuals of varying age with certain medical conditions making them at higher risk for pneumococcal infection. The VICP covers only the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7).

Since 1999, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been covered on the list of vaccines. This category does not include any Table injuries. To be eligible for compensation, claims must be filed:

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• within 3 years after the first symptom of the vaccine injury; or
• within 2 years of the vaccine-related death and not more than 4 years after the start of the first symptom of the vaccine-related injury from which the death occurred.

What are the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?
Children commonly will have pain or swelling where the shot is given and occasionally low-grade fever. About 1 percent of children will develop a high fever.

Severe allergic reactions have been reported very rarely.

How is the pneumococcal vaccine made?
Like the Hib vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine is made from the sugar coating (polysaccharide) of the bacteria. Protection against pneumococcus is mediated by antibodies directed against the pneumococcal polysaccharide. By exposing the child to only part of the bacterium, and eliciting a protective immune response, the child will not have to take the risk that his first encounter with natural pneumococcus will result in permanent disabilities or death.

What is pneumococcus?
Pneumococcus is a bacterium that causes several different types of serious infections in children. But by far the most common is pneumonia. Children with pneumonia develop high fever, cough, and rapid, difficult breathing. Sometimes the bacteria cause pus to accumulate not only inside the lung, but between the lung and the chest wall (called an empyema). The empyema can compress and collapse the lung. Although the vast majority of children with pneumonia recover, the disease is occasionally fatal.

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What if you suffer a side effect from the vaccine?
You may be eligible to bring a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Learn more here.

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