Synflorix is a vaccine containing parts of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, often called pneumococcus. It is designed to help the body’s immune system recognize and defend against these bacteria. The vaccine works by introducing components that prompt the immune system to produce antibodies, allowing it to react more quickly if it encounters the actual bacteria later, thus providing protection.
Understanding Synflorix’s Protection
Synflorix targets ten specific serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae: 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F. In Europe, these serotypes are estimated to cause 56-90% of invasive pneumococcal disease cases in children under five. The vaccine also offers some protection against the cross-reactive serotype 19A.
Synflorix protects against various serious conditions caused by these bacteria. This includes invasive diseases such as septicaemia (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the membranes around the brain and spine). It also helps prevent pneumonia, a lung infection, and acute otitis media, an infection of the middle ear.
Who Should Get Synflorix and When
Synflorix is recommended for infants and young children from six weeks up to five years of age. The specific vaccination schedule varies by age and regional health recommendations. For infants aged six weeks to six months, a common schedule involves three doses, each given at least one month apart, with the first dose typically at two months.
A booster dose is recommended after the initial doses. For infants who received three primary doses, this booster is given at least six months after the last primary dose, ideally between 12 and 15 months old. Infants seven to eleven months old at their first dose receive a two-dose primary series at least one month apart, followed by a booster in the second year of life. Children aged 12 months to five years who have not been vaccinated can receive two doses, given at least two months apart. Children should complete the full vaccination course with Synflorix.
What to Expect After Synflorix Vaccination
After receiving Synflorix, children may experience common, mild reactions. These include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Other common effects include fever, drowsiness, irritability, and temporary loss of appetite. These reactions are not severe and resolve on their own.
While most reactions are mild, less common but more serious reactions can occur. These include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual crying, or temporary stop in breathing (apnoea), particularly in very premature babies. Although rare, severe allergic reactions, such as an itchy rash, swelling of the face or mouth causing breathing difficulties, or a sudden drop in blood pressure, can occur. Such severe reactions happen soon after vaccination, but prompt medical attention should be sought if they occur.