What is the Pneumo25 Study?
Under the National Immunisation Program, all babies in Australia routinely receive the pneumococcal vaccine at two, four and 12 months of age. Some children at risk receive an additional dose at six months.
The pneumococcal vaccine protects babies and children against infections caused by the bacterium S. pneumoniae, including pneumonia, ear infections, bloodstream infections and meningitis.
The current vaccine, Prevenar 20, protects against 20 pneumococcal serotypes. However, other serotypes not covered by the vaccine continue to cause disease in babies and children.
Researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia are taking part in the Path4Ward-7 Vaccine Study to investigate whether a new vaccine covering an additional five pneumococcal serotypes provides broader protection against pneumococcal disease.
Who can take part?
Healthy babies aged between 6-12 weeks who have not yet received their six-week vaccines.
What does the study involve?
- Babies will receive four doses (instead of usually three doses) of the study vaccine or the current Prevenar 20 pneumococcal vaccine, plus all other scheduled vaccinations on the the National Immunisation Program through to 12 months of age
- Six visits to the study clinic at Perth Children's Hospital over a 13-month period
- One follow-up phone call at 18 months of age
- Babies participating in this study will also be offered the Bexsero meningococcal B vaccine at no cost. This vaccine is not routinely provided to all babies through the National Immunisation Program, and the three-dose course is typically purchased privately.
Is it safe?
This study has been approved by the Royal Children’s Hospital Ethics Committee.
Anyone with concerns or complaints about the conduct of this study should contact the Executive Officer on (08) 6456 2222 and quote study number RGS8382.
For more information or to get involved
Phone: 0400 450 240
Email: pneumo25safety@thekids.org.au