Immune response to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine with a reduced dosing schedule

Background: The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has demonstrated effectiveness against pneumococcal illnesses when administered as 3 infant doses plus a toddler dose (3+1 schedule) or as an abbreviated schedule of 2 infant doses plus a toddler dose (2+1 schedule). The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is approved and World Health Organization-prequalified for administration in a 2+1 schedule when used as part of routine immunization programs. Objective: To summarize immunologic responses elicited by PCV13 administered in a 2+1 schedule and following 2 doses in a 3+1 schedule. Methods: Studies were double-blind, randomized, active-controlled, multicenter studies…