Pneumococcal vaccines: Past, present and future

Abstract

Universal vaccination of Australian children with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate since 2005 has substantially reduced invasive pneumococcal disease. Herd immunity has also been observed in adults. Conjugate vaccines of higher valency, which provide additional serotype coverage, became available in 2009. The 13-valent vaccine replaced the 7-valent vaccine in the National Immunisation Program in July 2011. The 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 65 years or over and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years or over. It is also indicated in younger people with risk factors for invasive disease. Additional pneumococcal vaccine doses are recommended for children and adults at increased risk of invasive disease. The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th edition contains detailed recommendations.