Pneumococcal vaccination for preventing occupationally acquired infections in healthcare workers

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased occupational risk of respiratory infections including those caused by S. pneumoniae. Pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccines provide the opportunity to prevent pneumococcal diseases, but their efficacy in HCW is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for preventing occupational respiratory infections in HCW. Methods: HCW from intensive care unit (n=105) and primary care (n=52) received a single dose of PCV13. Participants were aged of (median, IQR) 37 (30,5-44,5) years, length of service was 15 (7-22,5) years, 110 (70.1%) were female. Pathogens in nasal swab or sputum were assessed by PCR and standard routine culture. Bacteriological examination was done 12 month before and after vaccination during stable period and in every case of respiratory infection. For comparing variables Wilcoxon test, Mc Nemar chi square and rate ratio were used. Results: After vaccination the incidence of all pneumococcal infections reduced by 2.1 times, rate ratio 0.48 (95% CI 0.25-0.95), asymptomatic carriage by 2.2 times, rate ratio 0.46 (95% CI 0.25–0.94), respiratory pneumococcal infections by 2.1 times, rate ratio 0.47 (95% CI 0.26–0.96), respiratory infections regardless of etiology by 33%, rate ratio 0.75 (95% CI 0.45–0.98), p Conclusions: Vaccination PCV13 appears to be effective in prevention of occupational pneumococcal infections in HCW.