Impact of infant immunization programs with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Europe

In 2000/2001, a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) was licensed in Europe. During the following years and based on positive experiences from the USA, more and more European countries recommended routine immunization of infants and of children at an increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease. Many studies documented the impact on invasive pneumococcal disease, but also on noninvasive pneumococcal disease. This review summarizes current evidence on the population-based impact of infant immunization programs in Europe.