Effect of the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Nasopharyngeal Colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae--Alaska, 2008-2012

Abstract

In 2010, a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) replaced a 7-valent vaccine (PCV7) that contained all PCV7 serotypes plus 6 additional serotypes (PCV6+). We conducted annual surveys from 2008 to 2012 to determine the effect of PCV13 on colonization by pneumococcal serotypes. We obtained nasopharyngeal swabs for pneumococcal identification and serotyping from residents of all ages at 8 rural villages and children age <60 months at 2 urban clinics. We conducted interviews/medical records review for all participants. A total of 18 207 nasopharyngeal swabs (rural = 16 098; urban = 2109) were collected. From 2008 to 2012, 84% of rural and 90% of urban children age <5 years were age-appropriately vaccinated with a PCV. Overall pneumococcal colonization prevalence remained stable among rural (66%) and urban (35%) children age <5 years, and adults age ≥18 years (14%). Colonization by PCV6+ serotypes declined significantly among rural children age <5 years, urban children age <5, and adults age ≥18 over the course of the study (25%-5%, 22%-9%, 22%-6%, respectively). PCV13 was rapidly introduced into the Alaska childhood immunization schedule and reduced colonization by PCV6+ serotypes among children. Unvaccinated adults also experienced comparable reductions in vaccine serotype colonization indicating substantial indirect protection from PCV13.