Learn about invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)
Maybe this is the first time you have heard of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Here are some facts about IPD and information about a vaccine that can help protect your baby.
What is IPD?
The word “invasive” in invasive pneumococcal disease means that pneumococcus (noo-mo-ca-cus) has entered parts of the body that normally are free from germs. Someone who is healthy or sick can spread pneumococcus to other people through coughing or sneezing.
What can happen if my child gets IPD?
IPD can lead to serious infections, including:
Pneumococcal meningitis (men-in-jahy-tis), which is a serious infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord
Pneumococcal bacteremia (bak-tuh-ree-mee-uh), which is an infection in the blood
Some common signs and symptoms of IPD:
Meningitis
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- Vomiting
Bacteremia
- Fever
- Chills
In babies these infections can cause:
- Poor eating and drinking
- Sleeping more than usual
- Increased fussiness
IPD can lead to serious problems like:
Hospitalization
Brain damage
Long-term disabilities
Help protect your baby from IPD.
Pneumococcal vaccines have been around for many years, and have helped lower the number of IPD cases in children in the US. That’s why it’s important to get your baby vaccinated and help protect them from IPD.