Distribution of Serotypes Causing Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Children From High-Income Countries and the Impact of Pediatric Pneumococcal Vaccination

Pneumococcal serotype distribution in children from high-income countries was assessed. Much of the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is due to serotypes in PCV15 and PCV20; including these pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) into existing pediatric immunization programs may help reduce IPD incidence. Background The introduction and adoption of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) into pediatric national immunization programs (NIPs) has led to large decreases in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) incidence caused by vaccine serotypes. Despite these reductions, the global IPD burden in children remains significant. Methods We collected serotype-specific IPD data from surveillance systems or hospital networks of all 30 high-income countries that met inclusion criteria. Data sources included online databases, surveillance system reports, and peer-reviewed literature. Percentage of serotyped cases covered were calculated for all countries combined and by PCV type in the pediatric NIP. Results We identified 8012 serotyped IPD cases in children <5 or <= 5 years old. PCV13 serotype IPD caused 37.4% of total IPD cases, including 57.1% and 25.2% for countries with PCV10 or PCV13 in the pediatric NIP, respectively, most commonly due to serotypes 3 and 19A (11.4% and 13.3%, respectively, across all countries). In PCV10 countries, PCV15 and PCV20 would cover an additional 45.1% and 55.6% of IPD beyond serotypes contained in PCV10, largely due to coverage of serotype 19A. In PCV13 countries, PCV15 and PCV20 would cover an additional 10.6% and 38.2% of IPD beyond serotypes contained in PCV13. The most common IPD serotypes covered by higher valency PCVs were 10A (5.2%), 12F (5.1%), and 22F and 33F (3.5% each). Conclusions Much of the remaining IPD burden is due to serotypes included in PCV15 and PCV20. The inclusion of these next generation PCVs into existing pediatric NIPs may further reduce the incidence of childhood IPD.