We are developing a new vaccine against the germ that causes most ear infections in children. This germ is called pneumococcus . We are inviting infants and children to be part of a study to see if this vaccine is effective.
Although there is already a very safe vaccine against the pneumococcus germ, this vaccine is only effective in adults. It is not effective in young children, in whom ear infections are more common and more serious.
It is important to develop a pneumococcal vaccine for children. In addition
to ear infections, the pneumococcus germ causes more serious but less common
infections such as meningitis (a life-threatening brain infection) and dangerous
blood infections. So a pneumococcus vaccine for children should help prevent
more serious diseases than ear infections alone.
Why should I worry about ear infections?
Most parents know that ear infections are one of the most common health problems in young children. Ear infections are the number one reason that children need antibiotic medicine. They are painful for the child, usually change behavior, and often mean that the child must stay home. Days are lost from school or day care, and parents lose days from work to care for their sick children.
Unfortunately, some children have many ear infections. These children may have
fluid in their middle ear for many months and will have difficulty hearing.
Although hearing loss may not be permanent, it may delay speech and language
development. In addition, ear infections occasionally lead to life-threatening
illness.
Can I tell if my child is likely to get many ear infections?
Unfortunately, until we have an effective vaccine, most children will get at least one ear infection. And some children will get many ear infections. Your child is likely to suffer from recurring ear infections if he:
How are ear infections treated?
Children with ear infections are usually given antibiotic medicine, and in
9 out of 10 cases, the child will get better. Unfortunately, some children will
continue to get ear infections even though antibiotic medicine is give. In addition,
the antibiotics can cause diarrhea and skin rashes. If your child has many ear
infections, the antibiotics may not work as well because the germs may become
resistant. Antibiotics are also costly, ranging from $5 to $50, depending on
your health insurance.
Are there alternatives to antibiotics?
Children with recurring ear infections are often treated with a daily dose of antibiotic. However, antibiotics do not prevent infections caused by resistant types of bacteria.
When a child continues to have many ear infections or has fluid in the middle ear for a long time, the doctor and parent may decide that ear tubes should be placed. These small plastic tubes are inserted in the eardrum by a surgeon. Although they can improve hearing, they often need to be replaced, and sometimes cause infection themselves.
Ideally, ear infections should be prevented early in life. Unfortunately, there is often nothing parents can do to prevent them. An effective vaccine, however, would protect children from ear infections and would greatly improve their health.