New pneumococcal vaccine recommended for children immunisation programme

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) has recommended the use of a new pneumococcal vaccine for the Childhood Immunisation Programme.

The vaccine, known as PCV13, has been selected as a safer alternative to the previous versions, PCV7 and PCV10.

Since being registered in Hong Kong in 2010 for children younger than five, the Department of Health (DH) has so far not received any significant reports over concerns regarding its safety.

Following the SCVPD’s recommendations, the DH will ensure adequate supplies of the vaccine are available for use by the end of 2011. Until then, the Childhood Immunisation Programme states PCV10 should be used.

When supplies are available, PCV13 will be used as a direct replacement of PCV10. The immunisation schedule will remain unchanged.