PCV or Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine is a vaccine which fights infections caused by Streptococcus penumoniae bacteria and affects children below 5 years of age. If not prevented, it can cause meningitis that may claim the life of your child or cause physical or mental abnormality. Learn more about it
here.
During my daughter's last visit to her pedia (for her measles vaccine), her doctor explained that this is going to be optional for us. We can choose to have her vaccinated next month or delay it at a later time. If we do, she'll have 2 more vaccines until she reaches the age of 2. If we choose not to have her vaccinated, she can still have it when she's 18 months, then one more when she's 2 years old. Finally, if we decide to have her vaccinated when she's 2 years old, that would be her first and last. To summarize, a baby can have a maximum of 4 series of vaccines depending on her age. The younger she is, the more she'll have. Like if she's under 6 months, she'll have it 4 times; 7 months onwards, 3 times; twice when she gets it at 1 year old; and if she gets it at 2 years old, only once. Doc said we can delay the vaccine as long as our daughter is well taken cared of. She's confident anyway that we're handling her well because my daughter is healthy and she doesn't see any sign of disease or infection. This is completely different from Rota Virus because, although likewise optional, she strongly recommended that my daughter be given the shots. She said we can come back next month if we decide to give our daughter PCV. Otherwise, we'll see each other next year - after M's first birthday for chicken pox vaccine.
As a mother, I only want what's best for my daughter. In fact my husband and I are seriously considering having her vaccinated with PCV. However, our respective parents have advised us to just forego with it. Sabi nila, nung mga bata pa kami wala pang mga ganyang bakuna. Buhay naman kami ngayon. Yung iba nga hindi kumpleto ang bakuna pero buhay pa rin hanggang ngayon. Naaalagaan naman daw yung baby ng maayos at malinis naman ang paligid nya so bakit pa sya pababakunahan. Typical philosophy of oldies. Just an FYI, ito yung pinaguusapan sa mga mommy circle na pinakamahal na bakuna for babies. Money is not an issue though, but what's good for my daughter's health and well-being.
Now, I'm undecided. Esep, esep....
☼