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October 9, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"New Immunization Is Working, Experts Say"

Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com) (10/07/02) P. 1C; Beil, Laura

Experts say that Prevnar, a new vaccine that protects against seven strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, appears to be working. According to surveys in seven states, rates of invasive pneumococcal disease among children under two decreased 35 percent to 85 percent between 1999 and 2001.  "It's what we were hoping for," commented Dr. Cynthia Whitney of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who presented her findings recently at an infectious-disease meeting hosted by the American Society for Microbiology.  Whitney suggested that vaccine availability may account for the difference in rates.  Meanwhile, rates of invasive pneumococcal disease have not dropped significantly, and experts say the reason for this is that older children have not been vaccinated.

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