Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: The potential to alter antibiotic use and nasopharyngeal carriage

In recent decades, the incidence of drug-resistant pneumococcal strains has increased dramatically due to the overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics. In addition, attendance at day care centers and previous treatment with certain classes of antibiotics are predisposing factors for infections with these drug-resistant strains. Implementation of widespread vaccination of infants and young children with the pneumococcal saccharide conjugated vaccine, adsorbed* (PNCRM7) could reduce the need for antibiotics and reduce both carriage and transmission of resistant pneumococci.