A second-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for prevention of pneumococcal diseases in children

Purpose of review A second-generation 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was licensed and recommended for universal immunization of children through age 5 years in 2010. Its introduction is intended to address the residual burden of pneumococcal diseases that persists a decade after the introduction of PCV7. Recent findings Immunization with PCV7 has resulted in a substantial decline in pneumococcal diseases caused by vaccine serotypes in both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons in the USA. However, an increase in disease due to nonvaccine serotypes, including empyema; the emergence of multidrug, including ceftriaxone, resistant serotype 19A strains; and the need for broader serotype coverage to address the global disease burden provides a rationale for a second-generation conjugate vaccine that includes serotypes 1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F and 19A. Summary This article reviews the lessons learned from a decade of experience with PCV7, the increasing problem of disease due to nonvaccine serotypes, and the likelihood of PCV13 to impact the residual disease burden. We contrast the potential differences in prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease compared with nonbacteremic pneumonia and acute otitis media. We conclude with the current recommendations for PCV13 providing a rationale for immunization through age 5 years to create both direct and indirect protection in the population.