Conjugate pneumococcal vaccines for non-indigenous children in Australia

Childhood pneumococcal disease is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, but total disease burden is more difficult to measure than for invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). A safe, effective seven-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine will be avail able in Australia by early 2001, and will certainly be indicated for high-r isk groups and purchased in the private sector, as was Hib vaccine. The status of this vaccine on the Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule will require more detailed consideration of the burden and serotype distrib ution of pneumococcal disease in Australian children and the: vaccine's lik ely cost-effectiveness. Postmarketing surveillance will be particularly important.