Why do we need a systematic review of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine dosing schedules?

Abstract

It is well known that Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of childhood mortality; in 2008, it was estimated to be responsible for over 500,000 deaths in children aged 1–59 months.1 It is also known that the pneumococcus is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality among those younger and older than the 1- to 59-month age group,2,3 although prevention of disease in these age groups has not been the target of global efforts to date. Serious diseases caused by the pneumococcus across all age groups include pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. Developing countries, mostly in Africa and Asia, carry the highest burden of both pneumococcal disease incidence and mortality in children; this burden is measured both in terms of rates and absolute numbers of cases and deaths.1