Pneumococcal vaccination of children in the netherlands

A pneumococcal infection can cause serious illness. Vaccination has been offered to children for some time. They are currently vaccinated with the conjugate vaccine PCV10. Because PCV10 has been effective, the pneumococci covered by the vaccine almost never cause disease at this point. Other conjugate vaccines that are available for children – PCV13 and more recently PCV15 – can provide protection against a large number of pneumococci that currently cause most cases of disease. The Health Council therefore recommends offering PCV13 or PCV15 to children. These vaccines currently provide the most health benefits in children. Another new conjugate vaccine, PCV20, has not yet been approved for use in children.