Pediatria pre prax 1/2015

The current situation of the recommended vaccination against pneumococcal infections in risk group of patients in Slovakia

Clinical studies all over the world confirmed the effectivity and safety of 13-valent conjugated vaccine (PCV13) even for risk groups of children from 2 years of age, adults and elderly people. The epidemiologic situation in Slovakia has been monitored by National Reference Centre for pneumococcal infections (NRC) since 2011. The data obtained confirms an alarming situation of high resistance to antibiotics displayed by several problematic serotypes and suggests it is appropriate to use this vaccine also in our country. According to the latest international guidelines it is recommended to use 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in risk groups only in case of revaccination and if necessary to widen the serotype.

Keywords: risk groups of patients, invasive pneumococcal infections, prevention, vaccination.