[Anti-pneumococcal vaccine: justifications and results]

The frequency and severity of pneumococci infections, the isolation of invasive serotypes and the fact that certain serotypes develop cross-resistance to antibiotics constitute justifications for anti-pneumococci vaccination. A 23-valence vaccine (Pneumo 23) has been marketed since 1983. A meta-analysis of 9 randomized studies concluded that anti-pneumococci vaccination reduces the overall incidence of pneumococci pneumonia with bacteremia. The efficacy of the vaccine was demonstrated on 4 parameters: proven pneumococci pneumonia, proven pneumococci pneumonia and serotypes contained in the anti-pneumococci vaccine, presumed pneumococci pneumonia, presumed pneumococci pneumonia and serotypes contained in the anti-pneumococci vaccine. The efficacy of the vaccine was significant only for low-risk subjects. The protective effect was not demonstrated against pneumonia whatever the cause and against bronchitis. Other case-control or retrospective studies have also been reported. The results have been somewhat contradictory but there is a demonstration of the usefulness of vaccination in patients over 65 years of age with a moderate risk (living in institution, obstructive bronchopneumonary disease, heart failure). Vaccination is advocated not only after splenectomy and in subjects with sickle cell anemia, but also in frequently hospitalized subjects, particularly those with respiratory failure and smokers. Vaccination is also recommended in case of nephrotic syndrome or an osteomeningeal breach. In at-risk children under 2 years of age, antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended in association with vaccination. The data of revaccination is not clearly determined.