February 15, 2009
Pneumo-13 Vaccine Research Study
Facts about pneumo infections:
- There are lots of different types of pneumo germs that can cause brain, blood, lung and ear infections.
- YK babies and children get a lot of pneumo infections
- The Prevnar vaccine that babies get helps to fight off 7 types of pneumo germs.
- Over the last few years other types of pneumo germs have been causing pneumo infections in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.
What is YKHC doing?
- YKHC is doing a research project for a new test vaccine called Pneumo-13.
- Pneumo-13 is made to fight off the same 7 pneumo types as Prevnar plus 6 more types.
- This research study will see if Pneumo-13 helps stop pneumo infections.
- The study will also check side effects of the Pneumo-13 vaccine and how many antibodies the children make to Pneumo-13 (this is called the immune response).
- Pneumo-13 vaccine has been given to over 4000 babies in studies around the world.
What does the study involve?
- The study is voluntary
- Children 6 weeks to 5 years can take part in the study.
- Children in the study will receive Pneumo-13 instead of Prevnar at the routine vaccine schedule
- Parents will notify the study nurse of any side effects from the vaccine.
- Bethel area children whose parents consent to a blood draw to check the immune response to Pneumo-13 will have two extra study visits.
