The Burden of Pneumococcal Disease in the Canadian Population Before Routine Use of the Seven-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the United States, implementation of the seven-valent conjugate vaccine into childhood immunization schedules has had an effect on the burden of pneumococcal disease in all ages of the population. To evaluate the impact in Canada, it is essential to have an estimate of the burden of pneumococcal disease before routine use of the vaccine.