Related Experiment Videos
Conjugated heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine.
Vinita B Pai1, Catherine A Heyneman, John Erramouspe
1Clinical Pharmacy Practice and Administration, College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1291, USA. pai@dendrite.pharmacy.ohio-state.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|August 28, 2002
Summary
The heptavalent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) is immunogenic and effective in reducing invasive pneumococcal disease in children. Pharmacy formularies should include PCV7 based on its efficacy and immunogenicity data.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive pneumococcal diseases pose a significant global health threat, particularly to young children.
- The development of effective vaccines is crucial for disease prevention and control.
- The heptavalent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) was introduced to address this challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of the heptavalent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7).
- To evaluate the impact of PCV7 on invasive pneumococcal disease incidence and acute otitis media.
- To assess the vaccine's performance in specific populations and its cost-effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search of MEDLINE (1993-August 2001) was conducted, focusing on human studies published in English.
- Findings from randomized, controlled, multicenter trials were reviewed.
- Epidemiological data, disease control strategies, treatment options, and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations were also considered.
Main Results:
- PCV7 demonstrated immunogenicity when administered according to the recommended infant schedule.
- Clinical trials showed a significant reduction in invasive pneumococcal disease caused by vaccine serotypes (87% in children <1 year, 58% in <2 years, 62% in <5 years).
- While the overall incidence of acute otitis media did not significantly decrease, vaccine serotype-attributable episodes were reduced. Efficacy in specific populations like children with sickle cell disease remains under investigation. Cost-effectiveness analysis suggests it may not be cost-effective at the manufacturer's price.
Conclusions:
- Published data on the efficacy and immunogenicity of PCV7 support its inclusion in pharmacy formularies.
- The vaccine is recommended for specific high-risk populations, including Alaskan Native/American Indian children and those with underlying health conditions.
- Further postmarketing surveillance is needed to fully assess PCV7's impact in diverse populations.