Update in preventing invasive neumococcal disease

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major respiratory pathogen. The spread of S pneumoniae to sterile sites, such as the blood and brain, leads to invasive pneumococcal disease. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains a serious health threat for infants and can result in hospitalizations, serious complications, or even death. The best approach available for prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease is the use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).

Methods: We made a review of the literature of the different guides about pneumococcal vaccination.

Results: Differences in pneumococcal vaccination among countries lie primarily in the recommended vaccination schedules, the types of vaccines used, and the target populations. Some countries prioritize early childhood vaccination, while others also include older adults or at-risk groups. Vaccine types also vary, with some countries using 10-, 13-, or 20-serotype conjugate vaccines (PCVs), and others using or adding polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV23). Many countries, especially in Latin America, follow a childhood vaccination schedule with two or three doses in the first year of life, followed by a booster. Pneumococcal vaccination coverage varies among countries, with some achieving high childhood vaccination rates and others facing challenges in achieving universal coverage, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Conclusions: Critical literature reviews, academic consensus, updates, and/or development of clinical out with the aim of generating well-founded academic agreements for better decision-making in each country and region.

Dr. Laura Erika García Carrillo is a pediatric infectious disease specialist, research in infectious disease and vaccines. She holds a Master degree in Sciences from Universidad Autonoma de México, and was graduated atn Instituto Nacional de Pediatrtia as pediatric specialist and infectious disease from Instituto Nacional de Perinatología. Is member of European Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease (ESPID), Sociedad Latinoamericana de Pediatria (SLIPE) y AMIP (asociación Mexicana de Infectología Pediatrica).