Does my child need to get a shot for repeated ear infections?

No: Doesn't exist. Prevnar (pneumococcal vaccine) is a vaccine that can possibly prevent ear infections which is routinely given already, but the shot protects more against meningitis than ear infections.

Yes: Occasionally ear infections are treated with an antibiotic that is given by injection and may require more tha 1 dose or shot. The pneumoccocal vaccine and flu shot help prevent infections that may frequently cause ear infections. Nothing is perfect for treatment or prevention, however.

No: Your child may need a tube placed in the eardrum. The tympanostomy tube can help drain fluid that's present due to an infection.

No: There is not a shot to treat repeated ear infections in babies. A new baby cannot be predicted to have future repeated ear infections, although these things sometimes run in families. Also, babies who start getting ear infections before 6 months of age are more likely to get repeated infections later. The pneumococcal vaccine can prevent some infections (those caused by strep pneumo bacteria).

No: There is no "shot" to cure or to prevent repeated ear infections. The young children experiencing frequent ear infections should be tested whether they are simply prone to develop recurrent infections or they continue to carry 'cummulated fluid' in their middle ear between the bouts of ear infection. The latter group of children should be referred for ventilation tube insertion.

No: Sometimes children need to see a special doctor called an ENT (ear nose and throat) to get evaluated for placement of tubes to help drain the accumulated fluid behind the ear, but no shots! its been shown that breastfed children have a decreased risk of ear infections, so if you can breastfeed for at least the first 6 months!

No: Not sure what shots your are referring to.Vaccines or antibiotics? No vaccines specific for ear infections yet. Rocephin (ceftriaxone) shots (antibiotic) are used for chronic ear infections, for three days straight when all else fail, before i referred them out to ear specialist.Usually they respond to oral antibiotics, need close follow up.If child having hearing, balance or speech problem, need to refer sooner.