Immunisation with a polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine. Reduction of adult respiratory mortality in a New Guinea Highlands community.

ABSTRACT

A double-blind controlled trial of a 14-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine was carried out in 11 958 adults at Tari in the Papua New Guinea Highlands. Pneumococcal infection, confirmed by blood-culture and lung aspirate, was less in the vaccinated group by 84%. Mortality from pneumonia was less by 44%.