Changes in Childhood Pneumonia Hospitalizations by Race and Sex Associated with Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines

Abstract

Introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in the childhood immunization schedule was associated with decreases in all-cause pneumonia hospitalizations among black and white children in Tennessee, USA. Although racial disparities that existed before introduction of these vaccines have been substantially reduced, rates remain higher in boys than in girls among young children.

Keywords

• pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
• 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
• PCV7
• 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. PCV13
• pneumonia
• invasive pneumococcal disease