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Pneumococcal vaccination policy in Europe
R G Pebody1, T Leino, H Nohynek
1Health Protection Agency Centre, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
Pneumococcal vaccination policies varied across Europe in 2003. While the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) was widely recommended for older adults and risk groups, the 7-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV) was mainly for targeted pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- * Public Health
- * Vaccinology
- * Epidemiology
Background:
- * Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumococcus) infections cause severe diseases like meningitis, septicaemia, and pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- * Two pneumococcal vaccines exist: the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) and the 7-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV).
Purpose of the Study:
- * To survey current pneumococcal vaccination policies across European Union member states, Switzerland, and Norway in 2003.
- * To understand the recommended use of PPV and PCV in different countries and populations.
Main Methods:
- * A questionnaire was distributed to 27 European countries (EU members, Switzerland, Norway) in 2003.
- * Data on licensed vaccines and national vaccination recommendations were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- * PPV was licensed in 22 of 23 responding countries and recommended in 21, primarily targeting individuals over 65 and specific risk groups.
- * By 2003, 13 countries had national PCV recommendations, mostly for targeted pediatric risk groups (e.g., asplenia, HIV), not universal infant immunization.
- * PCV use was generally restricted to children under five years old.
Conclusions:
- * Pneumococcal vaccination policies in Europe were diverse in 2003, with PPV widely adopted for older adults and risk groups.
- * PCV use was primarily targeted towards specific pediatric risk groups, with limited universal infant immunization.
- * Future vaccine policy decisions will consider disease burden, herd immunity, serotype replacement, dosing, and cost.