Child Pneumococcal Serotype Epidemiology In Greece

Incidence And Serotypes Of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease, After The Introduction Of The Heptavalent Conjugated Vaccine In Greece

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of pneumonia, sepsis, bacteremia, and pneumococcal meningitis among infants and children worldwide. The 7-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (Prevenar) has been introduced in the Greek Market in 2004. Additionally, as of 2006 Prevenar has been included in the Greek National Immunization Program.

The effect of the mass vaccination on the incidence of pneumococcal serotypes involved in the occurring invasive pneumococcal disease, is an important factor to consider for the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

open label, one group Purposive sampling of hospitalized children ≤14 years of age with confirmed IPD

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 14 years old or less.
• Hospitalized in a participating healthcare facility with an IPD.
• IPD will be confirmed by isolation of S. pneumoniae from a sterile body site.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children > 14 years of age
• Unconfirmed IPD