Pneumococcal vaccination in Europe: schedule adherence

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Nonadherence to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) schedules can compromise protection against pneumococcal disease.
• Understanding adherence patterns is crucial for public health strategies.
• Variations in adherence exist across different countries and vaccine schedules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess adherence to recommended PCV dosing schedules in European countries.
• To compare PCV adherence with other routine childhood vaccinations like diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP).
• To identify factors associated with higher PCV schedule adherence.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of PCV schedule adherence across European nations.
• Assessment of primary series and booster dose completion rates.
• Correlation of adherence rates with national vaccination policies (recommendation and funding status).

Main Results:

• Adherence to PCV schedules was found to be lower compared to DTaP schedules.
• Higher adherence rates were observed in countries where PCV vaccination is officially recommended and publicly funded.
• Booster dose adherence was frequently lower than primary series completion, with delays in administration beyond recommended ages.

Conclusions:

• Timely childhood vaccination with PCV, according to national schedules, requires targeted interventions.
• Improving PCV adherence necessitates country-specific strategies addressing national, regional, and local levels.
• Engaging diverse stakeholders is essential for enhancing vaccine schedule compliance.