<s>[INST] How can I prevent an ear infection in my child? [/INST] Vaccines are available to help minimize ear infections in children, and are part of the normal routine vaccine schedule for pediatrics. Children should be immunized against the common bacteria that cause middle ear infections.

Be sure your child gets the required pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. In addition, most children 6 months and older should receive a seasonal influenza vaccine each year (usually in Sept or Oct), as recommended by the CDC. Follow your pediatrician's directions for COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Haemophilus and other childhood vaccines, as well.

Wash your hands and your child's hands frequently. Teach them to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after bathroom use and before eating food. Adults should also wash hands after a diaper change.

Also:

Keep your child away from sick children, when possible.
If possible, breastfeed your baby.
Do not give a bottle when your child is lying down.
Keep your child away from cigarette smoke, which make an ear infection worse.
In some cases, the placement of ear tubes may be recommended for children who have frequent ear infections. Source: DRUGS.COM. Link: https://www.drugs.com/article/middle-ear-infections-children.html. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>