Pneumococcal vaccination for prevention of Streptococcus pneumoniae in HIV infected persons

Lead Researcher:

Dr Corinna Sadlier

Award Date:

31 December 2014

Host Institution:

Trinity College Dublin

Scheme:

Cochrane Training Fellowships

Summary:

The purpose of this review is to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of the pneumococcal vaccine as well as different vaccine schedules in HIV-infected individuals (over the age of 2 years) in preventing pneumonia, bacteremia and death. Primarily, this review will study the quality of the evidence base for pneumoccal vaccine including conjugate and polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccines in HIV-infected individuals. This will clarify the strength of the evidence base and the clinical efficacy and optimal vaccine schedule in HIV infected adults and will help clarify the international disparity that currently exists in pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for HIV infected individuals. This review will help inform vaccine policy makers at a local, national and international level regarding optimal pneumococcal vaccine strategies in HIV-infected individuals. This is a high priority review as indicated by the Cochrane review group on HIV/AIDs as the knowledge gained from the review in relation to best vaccine strategies may help prevent morbidity and mortality related to pneumococcal infection in an at risk patient group.