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A 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) was introduced in the early 2000s and was followed by a 13-valent version (PCV-13). Because these PCVs reduce nasopharyngeal colonization and thus decrease spread of infection, they were expected to have an effect not only on vaccinated individuals but also on those who were unvaccinated (e.g., NEJM JW Infect Dis July 2019 and Lancet 2019 Apr 15; 393:2146, and NEJM JW Infect Dis Dec 2005 and JAMA 2005 Oct 26; 294:2043).
To determine the impact of childhood PCV-13 immunization on adults, investigators conducted a meta-analysis of 29 observational studies with data on the incidence and burdens of pneumococcal disease in adults before and after the introduction of PCV-13.
Where the vaccination ra…