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Nine kids in New York are being treated for ear infections. Doctors reportedly found a "strain of strep bacteria not included in the pneumococcal vaccine" that may be the cause of ear infections in toddlers in New York. The germ is said to be resistant to all drugs that are used and approved for the treatment of ear infections among kids.

The 19A strain, said to be the cause of the ear infection in the 9 toddlers in New York is "resistant to all pediatric medications." High doses of amoxicillin and another drug did not help treat the infection. Doctors had to do surgery to drain the infection in the ear tubes or had to use a stronger antibiotic where effects on children has not been confirmed.

Despite the side effect, doctors are still advising parents to have their toddlers vaccinated since it prevents illness such as pneumonia, meningitis, and serious blood stream infections. Also, parents should be careful on using anti-biotics to guarantee that they'll work when needed.

Pharmaceutical firm Wyeth, who came up with the vaccine Prevnar, is already testing a second-generation vaccine to combat the new strains not covered by the vaccine.

The following links gives you more in-depth information regarding the 19A Strain.

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