Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: Debating the aggregate impact on pediatric infections

Stan L. Block, Ron Dagan, George H. McCracken, Stephen I. Pelton, Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, Cynthia G. Whitney, Peter L. Salgo

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Pneumococcus is the culprit in a wide spectrum of infection, ranging from asymptomatic carriage to devastating sepsis. Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of serious illness among young children worldwide. In the United States, it accounts for 125,000 cases of pneumonia requiring hospitalization and 6 million episodes of acute otitis media annually. The increasing emergence of drug-resistant pneumococci has further complicated the management of these and other infections, so preventive measures are ever more crucial. Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) is a significant new contribution to potential control of pneumococcal disease in young children. "Although PCV7 is associated with prevention of infectious disease in children and in infants, there have been challenges in translating the data to clinical practice," observed Peter L. Salgo, MD. "It has also been hypothesized that as vaccine efficacy becomes better understood, clinicians may change their diagnostic and management approach to a number of pediatric infections. As use of the vaccine increases, what additional effects will we see?" To explore the shifting paradigms in the prevention and treatment of pediatric infections since the introduction of PCV7, Dr. Salgo moderated this Medical Crossfire among a panel of international authorities on pediatrics, infectious disease, and epidemiology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)29-45
Number of pages17
JournalMedical Crossfire
Volume5
Issue number5
StatePublished - Jun 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy

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