Q: My paediatrician advised Prevanar vaccination for my son who is 24 months old. Is it advisable at this stage? I have read that it is scheduled when the child is 6-10-12 weeks old.

A:The ages that you mention are the optimal ages for pneumococcal vaccination. At 24 months the protection will be offered but many children do attain immunity naturally. As a very crude guide, the cost benefit ratio will become only about 60-70% of expected at the optimal age. If you can easily afford the vaccine, it is desirable to give it. If not, do not lose any sleep over it.