Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13 (Prevnar13®) in Children Who Are Solid Organ Transplant Recipients (SOT)

The purpose of this study is to determine if a booster dose of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is safe and results in a measurable and durable immunologic response against pneumococcal subtypes present in the vaccine in solid organ transplant recipient (SOT) children.

Pneumococcal infections are amongst the most common infections seen in immunocompromised children. Infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most frequently observed infection in immunocompromised children.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPV) have been licensed in the U.S. for over 40 years. In contrast, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are immunogenic and efficacious in normal infants and children, and offer hope of reducing pneumococcal infections in immunocompromised children. However, conjugate pneumococcal vaccine can only protect against a limited number of the 90 pneumococcal serotypes.

It is reasonable to anticipate that the introduction of PCV13 may help reduce the chances of severely immunocompromised children getting pneumococcal infections. Many of these children have been previously immunized with a full series of a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. These children will benefit from an additional dose of the new 13-valent vaccine. The degree to which SOT-recipient children are protected by prior immunizations and are responsive to new immunizations is still largely undefined. This study aims to expand the knowledge regarding the safety and immunogenicity of PCV13 immunization in this growing and vulnerable population.

Inclusion criteria

• Are 12 to 59 months of age.
• Have received a solid organ transplantation requiring ongoing immunosuppression.
• Have been receiving immunosuppressive agents for at least 3 months. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, G-CSF, erythropoietin and inhaled corticosteroids are not considered immunosuppressive agents for the purposes of this study.
• Expect to be able to complete the study injection and follow-up.
• Have parent or guardian's consent.
• Have received at least 3 doses of an approved PCV7 and/or PCV13 vaccine series.

Exclusion criteria

• Have received any inactivated vaccine within 4 weeks, or any live vaccine within 6 weeks of entering the study.
• Have had an allergic reaction or a serious side effect after receipt of any previous immunization to pneumococcal vaccines, or to other routine childhood immunizations.
• Have any other condition that would make receiving study vaccine inadvisable.
• Have other diseases of the immune system.
• Have any other disease or previous surgery that would interfere with study treatment.
• Are likely to have bleeding disorders.