Which vaccine is administered to protect against pneumonia in infants?

The pneumococcal vaccine is designed specifically to protect against infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which is a leading cause of pneumonia in infants. This vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and combat this pathogen, thereby reducing the risk of developing pneumonia and other serious infections such as meningitis and bloodstream infections.

Infants are particularly vulnerable to pneumonia due to their still-developing immune systems, making early vaccination crucial. The pneumococcal vaccine is generally administered in a series of doses during infancy to ensure optimal protection. This targeted approach in immunization plays a significant role in decreasing the incidence of pneumococcal disease in this age group.

In contrast, the other vaccines listed do not specifically target pneumonia. The meningococcal vaccine protects against different strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, while the influenza vaccine is aimed at preventing the flu. The bacterial meningitis vaccine, while relevant to meningococcal infections, does not prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcus. Thus, the pneumococcal vaccine is the most appropriate choice for protecting infants against pneumonia.