New vaccine timing could slash pneumonia spread in malawi

This study looked at whether changing the PCV13 vaccine schedule from three doses without a booster (3+0) to two doses plus a booster (2+1) could reduce the spread of pneumococcal bacteria in children and communities in Blantyre, Malawi. Over 3,500 children and adults participated, including vaccinated children and HIV-infected adults. Researchers measured how many people carried the bacteria in their nose to see if the new schedule provides better protection and herd immunity.