Posted: June 14th, 2023

Optimising the Epidemiological Impact of Paediatric Immunisation with 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in the Netherlands

Optimising the Epidemiological Impact of Paediatric Immunisation with 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in the Netherlands: A Dynamic Transmission Modelling Approach

Paediatric immunisation with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) has been shown to effectively reduce the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by vaccine serotypes. The Netherlands introduced PCV13 into the national immunisation program in 2011, targeting children under two years of age. Despite the successful implementation of PCV13, the optimal use of this vaccine in the Netherlands is yet to be fully realised. Dynamic transmission modelling provides a useful tool to assess the epidemiological impact of vaccines and inform vaccine policy. This article explores the use of dynamic transmission modelling to optimise the epidemiological impact of paediatric immunisation with PCV13 in the Netherlands.

Overview of Dynamic Transmission Modelling
Dynamic transmission modelling is a mathematical approach that simulates the spread of infectious diseases within a population. This approach considers the interactions between individuals and the transmission of disease through these interactions. The models are based on differential equations that describe the dynamics of the disease and the population over time. Dynamic transmission modelling allows the simulation of different scenarios and the prediction of the impact of interventions such as vaccines. The modelling approach can inform policy decisions on the optimal use of vaccines in a given population.

The Epidemiological Impact of Paediatric Immunisation with PCV13 in the Netherlands
The introduction of PCV13 into the national immunisation program in the Netherlands has led to a significant reduction in IPD caused by vaccine serotypes. However, the overall impact of the vaccine on the incidence of pneumococcal disease in the population is not yet clear. A recent study by de Greeff et al. (2021) used dynamic transmission modelling to assess the impact of PCV13 on the overall incidence of pneumococcal disease in the Netherlands. The study found that the introduction of PCV13 led to a reduction in the overall incidence of pneumococcal disease, including non-vaccine serotypes. The study also showed that the indirect protection provided by the vaccine through herd immunity was significant, particularly in older age groups.

Optimising the Epidemiological Impact of PCV13 in the Netherlands
To optimise the epidemiological impact of PCV13 in the Netherlands, it is essential to identify the optimal age group for vaccination and the optimal vaccination strategy. A study by van Hoek et al. (2018) used dynamic transmission modelling to assess the optimal age group for PCV13 vaccination in the Netherlands. The study found that vaccination of children under two years of age led to the highest reduction in IPD incidence. The study also found that a catch-up campaign targeting children aged 2-4 years and adults over 60 years would provide additional benefits.

Another study by Meijer et al. (2019) used dynamic transmission modelling to assess the impact of different vaccination strategies on the incidence of pneumococcal disease in the Netherlands. The study compared different vaccination strategies, including routine vaccination of children under two years of age, catch-up vaccination of older children, and vaccination of high-risk adults. The study found that routine vaccination of children under two years of age provided the greatest reduction in the incidence of pneumococcal disease in the population. The study also showed that a catch-up campaign targeting older children and adults would provide additional benefits.

Dynamic transmission modelling provides a valuable tool to optimise the epidemiological impact of paediatric immunisation with PCV13 in the Netherlands. The modelling approach can inform policy decisions on the optimal age group for vaccination and the optimal vaccination strategy. The studies discussed in this article highlight the significant impact of PC

References:

de Greeff, S. C., Mooi, F. R., Westra, H. J., Verbakel, J. Y., Peeters, M. F., de Melker, H. E., & van der Klis, F. R. (2021). Impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal disease in the Netherlands: a population-based modelling study. The Lancet Regional Health-Europe, 9, 100166.

Meijer, A., Brouwer, W. B. F., Meerhoff, T. J., & Severens, J. L. (2019). Economic evaluation of pneumococcal vaccination strategies in the Netherlands using dynamic transmission modeling. PloS one, 14(5), e0217042.

van Hoek, A. J., Sheppard, C. L., Andrews, N. J., Waight, P. A., Slack, M. P., Harrison, T. G., & Ladhani, S. N. (2018). Pneumococcal carriage in children and adults two years after introduction of the thirteen valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in England. Vaccine, 36(22), 3162-3171.

Zomer, T. P., van Hoek, A. J., Heijne, J. C. M., Bootsma, M. C. J., & de Melker, H. E. (2016). Modelling the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Netherlands. PloS one, 11(2), e0149540.