Post-marketing effectiveness of Prevnar [pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine (diphtheria CRM197 protein)] and implications for adult immunization.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a significant health concern for pediatric, healthy adult, and elderly populations. The newly licensed pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate (diphtheria CRM197 protein) vaccine, Prevnar, and a second generation experimental 9-valent product have demonstrated, for the first time, a clear and significant impact on pneumococcal pneumonia in children. The potential for saccharide-conjugate vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia in adult and elderly populations and potential barriers to the introduction of a conjugate vaccine in adults are discussed.
Parijs
Betsy Abraham-Van
BA
Wyeth Pharmaceutical, 500 Arcola Rd., Collegeville, PA 19426, USA.
Malinoski
Frank J
FJ
D000328:Adult; D000069443:Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine; D006801:Humans; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011018:Pneumonia, Pneumococcal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000069443:Heptavalent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate