Paediatric Vaccines
The paediatric sub-theme has strategically planned and undertaken studies to interrogate and optimize immunization. Studies have evaluated different vaccine schedules and the timing and need for booster doses of vaccines with particular emphasis on immunogenicity of conjugate vaccines in infants and the induction of immunological memory to direct improved persistence of immunity through childhood. These studies have led to a debate about the role of adolescent booster doses of group C meningococcal conjugate vaccines. Investigation of the role of “paediatric” pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in the elderly has demonstrated advantages of these vaccines over those currently recommended in this age group. Considerable progress has been made in the development of a candidate meningitis vaccine, against meningococcal disease which remains the leading infectious cause of death in early childhood in the UK. Development work has been initiated on a typhoid challenge model with BRC funding which will help identification of new vaccine candidates that could prevent up to 600,000 deaths per year.
