Pneumococcal Vaccine Study - recruiting now!
In Australia, all babies routinely receive the pneumococcal vaccine at two, four, and twelve months as part of the National Immunisation Schedule. This vaccine serves to provide immunity against infections caused by the bacteria S. pneumoniae, ranging from mild conditions like ear infections, to invasive diseases like pneumonia, blood infections, and meningitis in babies and children.
The current pneumococcal vaccine (13-valent PCV) provides protection against 13 bacterial serotypes. However, there are still many other disease-causing serotypes that are not covered by the vaccine, leaving babies and children vulnerable to these strains. This led us to investigate a new pneumococcal vaccine (21-valent PCV) designed to provide a broader protection against 21 bacterial serotypes – 8 additional serotypes than the current vaccine. Babies enrolled in this study will receive either the 21-valent PCV, or the licensed 20-valent PCV instead of the currently funded 13-valent PCV.
Recruitment has started and will continue into August 2025. We are looking for healthy babies aged between 6-12 weeks who haven't had their six-week vaccines. If you, or someone you know might be interested in participating in this important trial, please reach out to the research team at 0400 450 245 or via email at pneumo21@thekids.org.au