The vaccine, which is available free for any baby born from the start of this year, is designed to protect against the bacteria streptococcus pnuemoniae.
The bacteria can cause infections in sinuses and ears and can become invasive, resulting in serious infections including pneumonia, blood-poisoning and meningitis. Pneumonia is the most common form of the invasive stage and can be life-threatening.
In 2006, 151 children under the age of 5 contracted invasive pneumococcal disease, 25 in Otago.
The effects of the disease are most severe in children under 2 and in the elderly, but up until now there has not been a vaccine available for babies in New Zealand.
Because it is spread by coughing, sneezing and close contact, it is difficult to completely avoid the bacteria.
Otago immunisation co-ordinator Barbara Warren said the vaccine would be offered to babies at the same time as other vaccines given on the schedule, at six weeks, three months, five months and 15 months.
The vaccine has been available in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States for several years.
Mrs Warren said the addition to the schedule was the first since 1994. (Vaccination against meningitis B had been a special programme rather than part of the schedule.
From the start of this month, that vaccine is no longer routinely offered to babies and preschoolers because of the decline in the incidence of the disease.) Mrs Warren said anyone wanting to know more about the pneumococcal vaccine could contact their practice nurse or general practitioner, or could telephone 0800 466-863 or call her at (03) 467-7537.
