Immunogenicity of PCV13 during Hospitalization soon after infection resolution: Vaccis study

Julie Mérindol1, Irit Touitou2, Coralie Cruzel3

  • 1Internal Medicine Department, Nice University Hospital (CHU de Nice), Côte d'Azur University, Nice, France. merindol.j@chu-nice.fr.

NPJ Vaccines
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalization offers a key chance for Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccination in high-risk adults. A short delay post-fever improves vaccine response, highlighting hospitalization as an opportunity, not a barrier.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccination is vital for high-risk individuals.
  • Hospitalization presents a unique opportunity for timely vaccination.
  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) are essential for preventing invasive pneumococcal disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the vaccine response rate (VRR) to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV13) in hospitalized adult patients.
  • To identify factors influencing VRR in this population.
  • To assess the feasibility of administering PCV13 during hospitalization.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of adult patients hospitalized for infections (>48 hours).
  • Inclusion criteria: eligibility for PCV13 vaccination between April 2021 and 2023.
  • Primary endpoint: VRR at least one month post-vaccination, assessed by IgG levels.

Main Results:

  • 143 patients were included; common comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (47%) and cardiovascular disease (42%).
  • Overall VRR was 46%. Non-responders had significantly lower IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMC).
  • Higher Charlson scores (>3) predicted lower VRR (OR: 0.23). Vaccination within 48 hours post-apyrexia (OR: 6.25) and diabetes (OR: 2.70) were associated with better VRR.

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalization is a valuable opportunity for pneumococcal vaccination in high-risk adults.
  • A brief delay until after apyrexia can optimize vaccine response.
  • Vaccination should be considered during hospitalization rather than routinely postponed.

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