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Should the new pneumococcal vaccine be used in high-risk children?
1Institute of Child Health, University of Bristol, UK. Adam.Finn@bristol.ac.uk
Insights
A new 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar) is licensed for young children. Evidence is reviewed for its use in high-risk children, including those previously recommended for the 23-valent vaccine.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- A 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar) has received European licensure for pediatric use.
- This vaccine is widely used in the USA but not yet in UK or European universal immunization schedules.
- Its availability prompts consideration for high-risk pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for using the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in high-risk children.
- To provide guidance on the potential use of this vaccine in specific pediatric groups.
- To inform clinical practice while further data are collected.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing evidence on pneumococcal vaccines in children.
- Analysis of recommendations from health authorities, including the Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales.
- Synthesis of data to inform potential clinical application.
Main Results:
- The 7-valent vaccine offers an alternative for high-risk children, including those previously indicated for the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine.
- Clinical guidance is suggested for its use in children under 2 years old.
- Further data collection is recommended to support broader implementation.
Conclusions:
- The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine presents a viable option for high-risk children pending wider inclusion in immunization schedules.
- Paediatricians should consider this vaccine for specific high-risk groups based on current evidence.
- Ongoing research and data monitoring are crucial for refining recommendations.
Abstract:
A new conjugate 7-valent vaccine to prevent pneumococcal infection (Prevenar, Wyeth) has recently received a European licence for use in young healthy children. The vaccine is not currently included in the universal immunisation schedule in the UK or elsewhere in Europe, although it is being used widely in the USA. Its availability for purchase raises the question whether paediatricians should consider using it in high risk children, including those for whom the polysaccharide 23-valent vaccine was previously recommended, until (or unless) it is introduced into general use-indeed the Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales has recently made a recommendation regarding such children aged less than 2 years. We review the evidence concerning use of the vaccine in such children and make suggestions as to how the vaccine may be used while further information is collected.