Title:

Pneumococcal Vaccine For At-Risk Under 2’s

Date:

25th January 2002

Author:

Susan Wileman Medicines Information Technician

The new licensed conjugate penumococcal vaccine (Prevenar-Wyeth) is recommended for children under 2 years of age in the ‘at risk’ groups. Prevenar overcomes the short comings of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines which are not effective in children under 2 years of age.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended that children under 2 years of age in the ‘at risk’ groups should now have the new conjugate pneumococcal vaccine.

They should receive three single doses, one each at 2,3 and 4 months of age, or two doses at least a month apart if aged 5 to 24 months. After the 2^nd birthday, they should receive a single dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and this will provide protection against the serotypes of S. pneumoniae not covered in the conjugate vaccine.

The ‘at risk’ groups are:

• Asplenia or severe dysfunction of the spleen, including homozygous sickle cell disease and coeliac syndrome.
• Chronic renal disease or nephrotic syndrome;
• Immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including HIV infection at all stages;
• Chronic heart disease;
• Chronic lung disease;
• Chronic liver disease including cirrhosis;
• Diabetes mellitus.
• The ‘at risk’ groups are defined in paragraph 25.3 of the Green Book (Immunisation against Infectious Disease).

For more information see: http:// www.doh.gov.uk/cmo/cmoh.htm

Prepared by Susan Wileman (Medicines Information Technician)

Date of Preparation: 25th January 2002