Large Reductions in Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Related Morbidities Among Children in New Zealand After Change From PCV10 to PCV13

Abstract

Purpose In New Zealand after multiple changes to the immunization program, PCV13 was re-introduced in 2022, replacing PCV10. We investigate the resultant epidemiology of this change. Methods Using invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) surveillance data, we compared incidence rates in different PCV eras and predicted the number of pediatric cases we would have expected, assuming PCV10 was still part of the immunization program. Results IPD incidence among children has decreased. Without a vaccine change, incidence was predicted to continue increasing, driven by serotype 19A. Conclusions The timely change in pneumococcal vaccine and subsequent incidence decreases underscores the importance of epidemiology-driven decisions.