Pneumococcal Vaccine to Counter Emerging Infectious Disease Threat in the Military
Abstract
Diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are associated with tremendous morbidity and mortality worldwide, and they are a special threat to the health and readiness of the US military. A vaccine to prevent pneumococcal disease has been available for nearly 25 years. Vaccination has been strongly recommended for the elderly, and recently, for very young children, yet its utility in young adults has not been well examined. Due to recent outbreaks of pneumococcal disease and the emergence of increased antibiotic resistance, a large clinical trial of pneumococcal vaccine among young adults enlisting in the US military is currently being conducted by the Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, in collaboration with public health, academic, and military institutions. The study will better define the burden of pneumococcal disease in US military populations, and the value of vaccination in protecting healthy young adults.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA408879
Entities
People
- Gregory C. Gray
- Jamie A. Mckeehan
- Margaret A.K. Ryan
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center