The most common respiratory infection in children is the common cold, known as an upper respiratory tract infection. Common symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and cough. However, paediatric specialist Dr. Woo Chun Bun reminds parents not to take these symptoms lightly, "because some serious infections, such as pneumococcal infection, may have initial symptoms similar to upper respiratory tract infections, but the condition can worsen very quickly. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia, and meningitis. Even after successful recovery, severe infections may leave long-term sequelae such as neurological effects, developmental or learning delays, etc."
Dr Hu explained that Streptococcus pneumoniae is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets, but infection can also occur through close contact with an infected person or by coming into contact with objects contaminated with respiratory secretions. “It is important to note that infants and young children under the age of five, particularly those under two, are at very high risk of contracting Streptococcus pneumoniae and constitute the primary risk group.Furthermore, infants and young children are more likely to develop severe symptoms such as pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia following infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, with a mortality rate of up to 14%.”
Currently, maternal and child health centres in Hong Kong offer the 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine to infants, with vaccinations scheduled at two months, four months, and one year old. Some parents also opt to arrange vaccinations for their children through private healthcare services, considering other pneumococcal vaccine options based on individual needs. The private healthcare system currently offers additional vaccine choices, such as the 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine.
"If the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is chosen, it is generally recommended to complete four doses before the infant turns one year old, namely at two months, four months, six months, and one year old, to complete the full vaccination course," said Dr. Hu. "The 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine provides protection against 20 common serotypes. Parents can refer to their child's past vaccination records and individual health needs, and consult a doctor to understand if additional or supplementary doses need to be arranged."
For example, children who have received the 15-valent pneumococcal vaccine can consider getting an additional dose of the 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine at a private paediatric clinic to cover an additional five serotypes. For catch-up vaccination arrangements after receiving other valency vaccines, please consult a doctor.
"As for children aged two and above who are at higher risk (for example, those with asthma, weakened immune systems, or chronic illnesses), parents can refer to various international guidelines to assess their child's existing protection and consult a doctor for suitable arrangements," stated Dr. Wu.
Regarding numbers such as 15-valent and 20-valent, Dr. Hu explained, "The valency of a vaccine relates to the number of serotypes it covers; generally speaking, vaccines with a higher valency can offer protection against a wider range of serotypes. However, vaccination arrangements should still be based on the individual child's actual needs. In addition to considering the child's health condition, parents can also make an overall assessment based on their family's lifestyle, such as how frequently the child comes into contact with people or whether they frequently visit different places, and then consult a doctor about the relevant vaccination arrangements."
Original URL: So many pneumococcal vaccines, how should parents choose? See the paediatrician's analysis now | Hong Kong 01 https://www.hk01.com/article/60349797
Source: Heart of Wellness, Spring 2026
