Go ahead likely for a new vaccine against acute middle ear infections
27 January 2009
The new vaccine, SynflorixTM, designed to protect children against invasive pneumococcal diseases such as meningitis and invasive pneumonia and bacterial respiratory infections, such as acute middle ear infections (otitis media) has been reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and recommended for approval. The European Marketing Authorisation for the vaccine is expected to be granted in the coming months.
Otitis media is the most common reason for children under three years of age to visit a doctor, and the most common reason that they are prescribed antibiotics.
The vaccine, developed by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, has been designed with an active carrier protein to induce protection against the two leading causes of acute bacterial otitis media: non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Each one accounts for up to 40% of otitis media cases in children but at the moment NTHi is not vaccine preventable.
The vaccine has also been designed to give broader protection against severe pneumococcal disease for children under the age of five than is currently available
Deafness Research UK's Chief Executive, Vivienne Michael, said "The positive progress of this new vaccine is welcome particularly as we know that many cases of ear infection are still being treated inappropriately with antibiotics, and this is likely to encourage the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Eight out of ten children will have had an ear infection by the time they are three years old and around 200,000 [1] children suffer from repeated ear infections or glue ear in the UK each year. A vaccination programme should substantially reduce the total number of children getting these conditions."
Parents worried about children’s ear infections and not sure where to turn can get up-to-date advice and guidance from Deafness Research UK. Its leaflet Ear infections and glue ear in children is full of practical tips and guidance and contains the latest medical thinking on these conditions, describing the range of possible symptoms, current treatments and ways in which parents can support their child and prevent further problems. The leaflet is available in 6,000 GP surgeries around the UK from January to March 2009, and can also be obtained directly from Deafness Research UK by telephoning 0808 808 2222 or by email: .
[1] NICE report 2008 on Surgical Management of OME in children
