Article in Japanese

Experience of H. influenzae Type b (Hib) and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Korean Children

Kyung-Hyo Kim, M. D., Ph. D. *

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae are important pathogens in children. The introduction of Hib and 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) into childhood immunization schedule contributed to a substantial reduction in the burden of related diseases. However, in Korea, these vaccines are not included in the national immunization program although they have been used since 1993 or 2004, respectively. Because the disease burden and the effectiveness of each vaccine might vary by geographical region or ethnicity, a study was conducted to determine the optimal immunization strategy in Korea.
The Hib and pneumococcal meningitis incidence was 6.0/100,000 < 5 years and 2.1/100,000 < 5 years, respectively in a defined population in Korea. According to data obtained from hospital records from 1986 through 2005, pneumococci and Hib were found to be the major causes of invasive bacterial disease in children, although invasive Hib disease has decreased after introduction of vaccine. The serotype coverage of PCV7 is about 70% for invasive pneumococcal diseases < 5 years in Korea. Immunogenicity studies of Hib vaccine were meta-analyzed and showed excellent response in Korean children. PCV7 was highly immunogenic in infants, too. After two and three PCV7 vaccinations, 63-98 and 97-100% of infants achieved protective antibody level, respectively. According to these data, adopting two doses for a primary series could be a feasible option for facilitating vaccine coverage rate for these two vaccines. In a cost benefit analysis, Hib vaccine would be cost benefit at 2+1 doses, each costing approximately $20 even with the underestimated diseases burden. There is no available data for PCV7. In 2007, the vaccination rates of Hib vaccine and PCV7 were about 60% and 10%, respectively. In conclusion, for disease control of invasive Hib and pneumococcal diseases in Korea, routine immunization of Hib and PCV7 as 2 doses and a booster can be recommended.

---

Key words
Received	January 1, 1970
Accepted	January 1, 1970

22 (2)：157─163,2010