Pneumococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is a major cause of ear and sinus infections, as well as serious infections of the blood, lungs (pneumonia) and brain (meningitis). Although severe pneumococcal disease is rare, babies and children under five years of age are at the greatest risk.
Throughout 2019 - 2020 the Vaccine Trials Group completed two studies investigating a new vaccine designed to protect babies against pneumococcal disease.
The potential new vaccine contains all the serotypes or strains of bacteria included in the current pneumococcal vaccine called Prevenar 13, but also includes two additional serotypes to help provide broader protection against pneumococcal disease. The two studies also involved slightly different immunisation schedules as this helps researchers learn the ideal timing to acheive maximum coverage.
The children in the first study have completed their clinic visits and are now in their last six months of follow up with a phone call at 18 months of age. The second group are currently attending our clinic to receive their last vaccine dose and will also be followed up until 18 months.
Thank you to the children and their families for supporting this important research study and we look forward to sharing the study in the future.