An Alternative Booster Vaccine Against Meningitis and Ear Infections

Currently in the UK, 3 doses of a vaccine called Prevenar 13 (PCV-13), which contains 13 pneumococcal serotypes attached to a carrier protein called CRM197, are given to children at 2, 4 and 12 months of age. There is some evidence that a vaccine called Synflorix (PHiD-CV) may be at least as good as the currently used vaccine when used as an alternative vaccine at 12 months of age. Although PHiD-CV contains only 10 serotypes, there is evidence that it generates cross-reactive antibodies against two of the three additional serotypes included in PCV-13 which might be enough to protect children against disease caused by these two serotypes. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that PHiD-CV confers protection against a common otitis media pathogen in children called nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi) by attachment to a carrier protein called Protein D, which is derived from NTHi. In addition, the use of a carrier protein, which is not closely related to an antigen included in any coadministered or previously administered routine vaccine minimises the risk of interference related to it.

The investigators aim to recruit 168 healthy children at the age of 12 months who have already received two doses of PCV-13 according to the UK routine immunisation schedule at 2 and 4 months of age. Participants will then be randomised to receive a booster dose of either PCV-13 or PHiD-CV at 12 months of age.

Three visits will take place at their parents' home and will involve a blood test followed by a dose of PCV-13 or PHiD-CV on visit 1, and a blood test on each of the visits 2 (1 month after visit 1) and 3 (1 year after visit 1).

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 12 months (-2 weeks to +6 weeks) at time of enrolment.
• Have received two doses of PCV-13 at less than 6 months of age with a gap of at least 6 weeks between the two vaccinations.
• Have received all primary vaccines according to the UK routine immunisation schedule (up to, but not including, 12 months of age).
• Available for the entire study period and whose parent/legal guardian can be reached by telephone.
• Healthy children as determined by medical history and physical examination, done by a study nurse (and/or study doctor if required, depending on the medical history of the participant and physical assessment), and judgment of the investigator.
• Parent/legal guardian must be able to complete all relevant study procedures during study participation.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous receipt of pneumococcal vaccine other than the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar 13®, Pfizer).
• Receipt of the routine 12 month immunisations (PCV13 (3rd dose), combined Haemophilus influenzae type b and serogroup C meningococcal glyco-conjugate vaccine (Hib-MenC) or measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR)).
• A previous anaphylactic reaction to any vaccine or vaccine-related component.
• Contraindication to vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
• Bleeding diathesis or condition associated with prolonged bleeding time that would contraindicate intramuscular injection.
• Known or suspected immune deficiency or suppression.
• History of culture-proven invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae.
• Major known congenital malformation or serious chronic disorder.
• Significant neurologic disorder or history of seizures including febrile seizure, or significant stable or evolving disorders such as cerebral palsy, encephalopathy, hydrocephalus, or other significant disorder.
• Receipt of blood products or gamma-globulin (including hepatitis B immunoglobulin and monoclonal antibodies; e.g., Synagis B).
• Parents who plan to move out of the geographical area where the study would be conducted.