Does pneumococcal conjugate vaccine prevent otitis media?
Abstract
Yes, if the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) series is given before 12 months of age. Vaccination before 12 months is associated with a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of both acute (AOM) and recurrent (ROM) otitis media (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and a large retrospective cohort trial). The benefit disappears if the series is started after 12 months (SOR: B, a systematic review of RCTs with inconsistent results). PCV reduces tympanostomy tube placement for ROM (SOR: A, a large RCT and retrospective cohort trials).
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