Should the new pneumococcal vaccine be used in high-risk children?
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.
Finn
A
A
Institute of Child Health, University of Bristol, UK. Adam.Finn@bristol.ac.uk
Booy
R
R
Moxon
R
R
Sharland
M
M
Heath
P
P
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D000069443:Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000150:complications; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D007223:Infant; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013158:Splenic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D013353:Subdural Effusion / Q000150:complications; D014180:Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects
D000069443:Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines