March 9, 2001 – According to a study of 1,662 children who received a hepatitis B vaccine or a pneumococcal-CRM197 conjugate vaccine (an analogue of diphtheria toxin), this conjugate vaccine would reduce the total number of episodes of acute otitis.
Children were vaccinated at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months and during the follow-up period of 6.5 months to 24 months, the total number of ear infections was reduced by 6%. These results are explained by the fact that ear infections caused by pneumococci whose serotypes were present in the vaccine and by pneumococci which reacted to these serotypes were reduced respectively by 57% and 51%, while ear infections caused by all other serotypes increased by 33%.
The researchers recognize that this percentage of effectiveness is lower than that of other vaccines against childhood diseases but that its effect can still be substantial. Previous research has confirmed the potential of this vaccine.
HealthPassport.net
Eskola J, Kilpi T, Palmu A, Jokinen J, Haapakoski J, Herva E, Takala A, Kayhty H, Karma P, Kohberger R, Siber G, Makela PH. Efficacy of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against acute otitis media.N Engl J Med. 2001 Feb 8; 344 (6): 403-9.
