The impact of vaccines on pneumonia: key lessons from Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines

Vaccine. 2008 Jun 16:26 Suppl 2:B3-8. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.04.013.

Abstract

This article explores key lessons learned from vaccination with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine and how these lessons may provide insight into the impact of emergent pneumococcal vaccines against pneumonia. The worldwide value of Hib vaccination for reducing Hib disease burden and carriage is reviewed. Using comparisons of data for pneumococcus versus Hib, the article concludes that epidemiological and biological differences between these pathogens will complicate efforts to use results from the Hib vaccine experience to predict outcomes following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Capsules / therapeutic use
  • Haemophilus Infections / diagnosis
  • Haemophilus Infections / epidemiology
  • Haemophilus Infections / immunology
  • Haemophilus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization Programs / organization & administration
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / immunology
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / prevention & control*
  • Vaccines, Conjugate / immunology
  • Vaccines, Conjugate / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Haemophilus Vaccines
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide vaccine
  • Vaccines, Conjugate