Authors:
Pomat WS, van den Biggelaar AHJ, Phuanukoonnon S, Francis J, Jacoby P, Siba PM, Alpers MP, Reeder JC, Holt PG, Richmond PC, Lehmann D
Authors notes:
PLoS ONE. 2013;8(2):e56698
Keywords:
pneumococcal disease, vaccine, infectious disease, Papua New Guinea, 7-valent PCV
Abstract:
Approximately 826,000 children, mostly young infants, die annually from invasive pneumococcal disease.
A 6-10-14-week schedule of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is efficacious but neonatal PCV may provide earlier protection and better coverage.
We conducted an open randomized controlled trial in Papua New Guinea to compare safety, immunogenicity and priming for memory of 7-valent PCV (PCV7) given in a 0-1-2-month (neonatal) schedule with that of the routine 1-2-3-month (infant) schedule.
PCV7 is well-tolerated and immunogenic in PNG neonates and young infants and induces immunologic memory to PPV booster at age 9 months with antibody levels maintained to age 18 months.