This immunisation is given to children from six weeks old to help prevent pneumococcal disease which can lead to a number of serious illnesses including bacterial meningitis and pneumonia. The vaccine is given in four doses at two months, four months, six months and 12-15 months.
This vaccine is given as part of a routine infant immunisation programme from 6 weeks of age; a series consisting of three doses should be given plus a booster dose.
The first dose may be administered from the age of 6 weeks, each injection will be given at least one month apart. A fourth injection (booster) is recommended between 11 and 15 months of age. If a baby is not vaccinated before 7-11 months then two doses will be required with an interval of at least 1 month between doses. A third dose is recommended in the second year of life. For children aged 12-23 months, two doses with an interval of at least 2 months between dose. Children aged 2-5 years only require one single dose.
