Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV): what it protects against and when your baby gets each dose

PCV, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, protects your child against pneumococcal disease: infections of the lungs, ears, brain and blood caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. The pneumococcal vaccine on Singapore's schedule is PCV13. HealthHub says all infants should get two doses, at 4 and 6 months, with a booster at 12 months.

What pneumococcal disease does to young children

HealthHub says pneumococcal disease includes pneumonia, ear infection (otitis media), meningitis and blood infection (bacteraemia). The symptoms depend on which part of the body is infected. They range from a low-grade fever, cough or earache to confusion or a severe headache.

Young children are among the most at risk. HealthHub says children under 5 and adults 65 and above are among those at higher risk, and that the bacteria can cause chest, ear and brain infections that can be fatal. SingHealth Polyclinics says the disease is common in children under 2.

PCV13 doses at 4, 6 and 12 months

HealthHub says PCV13 protects against the 13 pneumococcal strains that most commonly cause disease. On MOH's schedule table the doses share a visit with other jabs:

• 4 months: PCV dose 1, with the 5-in-1
• 6 months: PCV dose 2, with the 6-in-1
• 12 months: PCV booster, with MMR and chickenpox dose 1

If your child falls behind, HealthHub says catch-up doses can be given through to 59 months of age. You may also hear about PCV20 and PPSV23. HealthHub says adults aged 65 and above are advised either one dose of PCV20, or one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23. For babies on the NCIS, the vaccine is PCV13.

What the pneumococcal vaccine costs

SingHealth Polyclinics says that from 1 November 2020 all NCIS vaccinations became fully subsidised for Singaporean children at the polyclinics, and names pneumococcal among the vaccines the enhanced subsidies cover. MOH's CHAS GP fee cap table lists PCV13 for children, and vaccine.gov.sg says recommended NCIS jabs cost citizens $0 at CHAS GP clinics.

HealthHub says PR children can get subsidies at polyclinics. The jab is recommended rather than required by law: CDA names only measles and diphtheria vaccination as compulsory for children.

After the PCV jab: side effects and when to get help

HealthHub says the most common side effects are redness and swelling at the injection site, fever and tiredness. Its vaccine leaflet adds that these usually go away on their own within 3 to 4 days.

Severe allergic reactions are rare, HealthHub says, and can happen within minutes to a few hours of the jab. Tell a healthcare professional immediately about a swollen face, eyes, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or an itchy rash all over. NHG Polyclinics says to see a doctor or return to the polyclinic if a fever lasts beyond 48 hours, or for persistent crying or a fit. Each dose is written into your child's Health Booklet.

Frequently asked questions

What does PCV13 mean?

PCV stands for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and 13 is the number of pneumococcal strains it covers. HealthHub says these are the 13 strains that most commonly cause pneumococcal disease.

Is the pneumococcal vaccine compulsory in Singapore?

No. It is recommended on the NCIS and subsidised for citizens, but CDA says only measles and diphtheria vaccination are compulsory for children by law.

My child missed a PCV dose. Is it too late?

Usually not. HealthHub says children who fall behind should get catch-up doses up to 59 months of age, and KKH says a child who falls behind does not have to restart the whole schedule.

Is my baby's PCV the same as the pneumonia jab for grandparents?

Sometimes it is the same vaccine. HealthHub says adults 65 and above are advised one dose of PCV20, or one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23. Babies on the NCIS get PCV13.

Related terms

• NCIS (National Childhood Immunisation Schedule): Singapore's official list of recommended childhood vaccines and the age each dose is due, from birth to 17 years.
• Booster: An extra dose of a vaccine your child has already had, given later to top up protection.
• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular Pertussis): The diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccine, given inside the 6-in-1 and 5-in-1 jabs from 2 months.
• MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella): The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Singapore children get it at 12 months and again at 15 months, as MMRV.
• Health Booklet: The Child Health Booklet every Singapore baby gets at delivery. It records growth, milestones and every vaccination.
• Polyclinic: A public primary care clinic with subsidised fees, where Singapore families can take children for jabs and checks.

See every term in the glossary