Update on the Use of Conjugate Pneumococcal Vaccines in Childhood

Update on the Use of Conjugate Pneumococcal Vaccines in Childhood PreambleThe National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) † provides the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) with ongoing and timely medical, scientific, and public health advice relating to immunization.PHAC acknowledges that the advice and recommendations set out in this statement are based upon the best current available scientific knowledge and is disseminating this document for information purposes.People administering the vaccine should also be aware of the contents of the relevant product monograph(s).Recommendations for use and other information set out herein may differ from that set out in the product monograph(s) of the Canadian manufacturer(s) of the vaccine(s).Manufacturer(s) have sought approval of the vaccine(s) and provided evidence as to its safety and efficacy only when it is used in accordance with the product monographs.NACI members and liaison members conduct themselves within the context of the PHAC's Policy on Conflict of Interest, including yearly declaration of potential conflict of interest.• update the epidemiology of pneumococcal disease in Canada relevant to the introduction of PNEU-C-13;• provide an update on the conjugate pneumococcal vaccination schedules used in Canada;• provide a literature review on the use of 3 doses (2 infant doses +1 booster) versus 4 doses (3 infant doses +1 booster) of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines;• provide information on a newly licensed 13-valent vaccine against pneumococcal disease; and• provide recommendations for the use of the 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PNEU-C-13). Overview of past NACI recommendations for conjugate pneumococcal vaccineA conjugate seven-valent formulation, Prevnar ™ , (Pneu-C-7) was authorized for use in Canada in infants in 2002.NACI issued a statement (1) recommending the addition of this vaccine to the routine infant immunization schedule.