Horrible science: Preemies Benefit From Timely Pneumococcal Vax

The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was well tolerated in infants regardless of gestational age, although preterm babies benefited more from administration on an accelerated schedule, according to a multicenter study.  Read more…

VLA Comment:  Despite results like the following, the conclusion is:

“These results (below) reinforce the importance of timely pneumococcal vaccination for all infants, including those born prematurely.”

1) Adverse events were reported in 59% of preterm babies and 55% of term babies, during the infant series (P=0.70). The most common adverse event among both groups was respiratory infection.

2) Following the toddler dose, 31% of preterm babies and 27% of term babies experienced adverse events (P=0.53). A vaccine-related rash was reported in one preterm baby.

3) Compared to term babies, severe adverse events were more common in preterm babies after the infant series (5% versus 14%, P=0.051).

“These results reinforce the importance of timely pneumococcal vaccination for all infants, including those born prematurely.”