Vaccines to ward off pneumonia

According to Dr Mahesh Babu Ramamurthy from the Division of Paediatric Pulmonary and Sleep at National University Hospital, there are several vaccines that can protect against pneumonia, including:

1. Haemophilus influenzae vaccine: This is given along with the three DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) doses in infancy, with one booster later.

2. Pneumococcal vaccine: This consists of three doses in infancy and a booster a year later. If the child did not receive it during infancy, parents can catch up later with a single dose after two years of age.

3. Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine: A measles outbreak is known to be associated with pneumonia.

4. Influenza vaccine: This can be taken from six months of age and is usually advised for high-risk children such as those with underlying heart or lung disease, as well as preterm children. It is usually given as two doses with a one-month interval in the first year, with subsequent yearly doses.