Declining invasive pneumococcal disease mortality in the United States, 1990-2005

Abstract

PCV7 use in the U.S. has led to notable decreases in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We examined PCV7 influence on IPD mortality for all age groups using National Multiple-Cause-of-Death data (1990-2005). Age-specific mortality rates were compared before and after PCV7 use. Average decreases in age-adjusted mortality rates for meningitis and septicemia accelerated post-PCV7, the greatest decline observed in septicemia-related deaths. The youngest and oldest age groups experienced large decreases in age-specific mortality rates after the introduction of PCV7. Mortality rate decline across all age groups strengthens evidence of vaccine-induced herd immunity and provides additional information for cost-benefit analyses of PCV7.