Systematic review of the efficacy, effectiveness and impact of high-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on otitis media.

Plain Language SummaryWhat is the context?Pneumococcal vaccines are highly effective in preventing pneumonia and meningitis in children. The two main pneumococcal vaccines are PHiD-CV (Synflorix, GSK) and PCV13 (Prevenar 13, Pfizer). Both vaccines have been shown to provide protection against otitis media despite differing in their composition.However, it is currently unknown if both vaccines confer similar level of protection against otitis media.What is new?We conducted a literature review to evaluate the effects of PHiD-CV and PCV13 on otitis media.From 33 articles, we found that:‡Both vaccines were effective in reducing doctor visits for otitis media as well as the number of severe cases and cases requiring hospitalization.‡Four studies suggested a higher level of protection provided by PHiD-CV compared to PCV13, although more data is needed to confirm this finding. What is the impact?Available information shows that PHiD-CV and PCV13 are effective in preventing a proportion of otitis media during childhood.Given the remaining substantial burden associated with the disease and the related significant usage of antibiotics, the development of improved vaccines with higher impact on otitis media would be welcome.