June 15, 2009
YKHC Village Operations welcomes the new Pneumo-13 Project. Staff members Chris Desnoyers, Addie Schonberg, Bessie Francis, and Christine Wiscombe are working with 60 Healths Aides and 20 Hospital Staff on the Pneumo-13 Vaccine Study
Pneumo 13 Study
Information about YKHC Research Trial to Evaluate Study Vaccine Against Pneumococcal Disease in Young Children
Pneumococcal Infections
Pneumococcal ("pneumo") disease is a leading cause of meningitis (brain infection), sepsis (blood infections), pneumonia (lung infections), and otitis media (ear infections). There are many different types of pneumo bacteria that cause infection. YK babies and young children have very high rates of pneumo infections. Currently, YK babies and children can get a vaccine that can help protect against some types of pneumo infections.
The YKHC Pneumo 13 Research study--Why are we doing this?
YKHC is doing a research study of a test vaccine we are calling Pneumo 13 that may help prevent more types of pneumo infections. In the YKHC study, children will receive Pneumo 13. Research nurses and health aides will enroll children in villages and YK hospital clinics. Research nurses will draw blood from some children to see how many antibodies (immune response) they make to Pneumo 13. This helps to see the effect of Pneumo 13. The research study will evaluate if Pneumo 13 helps prevent pneumo infections in young children in the community. The study will also check for side effects of Pneumo 13.
What does the study involve?
- This study is voluntary.
- Children 6 weeks to less than 5 years of age can take part in the study.
- Children in the study will receive Pneumo 13 on a routine schedule.
- Children who have already finished their routine vaccinations for pneumo disease will get a booster dose(s) of Pneumo 13.
- Parents will need to notify the research nurse of any side effects from the Pneumo 13.
- Bethel area children, whose parents consent, will also have a blood draw to check the immune response to Pneumo 13 and will have two extra study visits.
