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Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Serotype 17F

This article summarizes several clinical trials investigating pneumococcal vaccines containing the pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 17F. The trials aim to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and immune responses to new pneumococcal vaccine formulations in various populations, including adults at increased risk of pneumococcal disease. The studies examine factors like optimal vaccination timing and compare different pneumococcal vaccine types to improve protection against pneumococcal infections.

Table of Contents

What is the pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 17F vaccine?

The pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 17F vaccine is a component of broader pneumococcal vaccines that help protect against infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also known as pneumococcus.[1] This particular serotype (17F) is one of many strains of pneumococcus that can cause serious illnesses.

Pneumococcal vaccines containing the 17F serotype are typically part of multi-valent vaccines, meaning they protect against multiple serotypes of pneumococcus. For example, it may be included in vaccines like Pneumovax 23 or newer conjugate vaccines that cover a range of pneumococcal strains.[2]

How does it work?

The vaccine works by introducing a small amount of the outer coating (polysaccharide) of the pneumococcus bacteria into your body. This coating is specific to the 17F serotype. Your immune system recognizes this as foreign and develops antibodies against it. If you’re later exposed to the actual 17F pneumococcus bacteria, your body can quickly recognize and fight off the infection.[1]

In some newer vaccines, this polysaccharide is chemically linked (conjugated) to a protein carrier. This can make the vaccine more effective, especially in young children.[3]

Who needs this vaccine?

Pneumococcal vaccines containing the 17F serotype are typically recommended for:

  • Adults 65 years and older
  • People with certain chronic health conditions that increase their risk of pneumococcal disease
  • Individuals with a weakened immune system
  • Some children, depending on risk factors and the specific vaccine formulation

Your healthcare provider can best determine if and when you should receive a pneumococcal vaccine containing the 17F serotype based on your age, health status, and previous vaccination history.[2]

How is it administered?

The pneumococcal vaccine containing serotype 17F is typically given as an injection into the muscle (intramuscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous). For most adults, a single dose is usually sufficient. However, some high-risk individuals may need additional doses or boosters.[1]

The vaccine is often administered in healthcare settings like doctor’s offices, clinics, or pharmacies. It can be given at the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu shot, but usually at a different injection site.[2]

How effective is it?

The effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines can vary depending on factors like age, overall health, and the specific vaccine formulation. However, research has shown that these vaccines, including those containing the 17F serotype, are generally effective at reducing the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease.[3]

In clinical trials, pneumococcal vaccines have demonstrated their ability to stimulate the immune system and produce antibodies against the included serotypes, including 17F. This immune response helps protect against severe pneumococcal infections.[1]

What are the potential side effects?

Like all vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint pain

These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days. Serious allergic reactions are rare but can occur. If you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness after receiving the vaccine, seek medical attention immediately.[2]

Important considerations

Here are some key points to keep in mind about the pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 17F vaccine:

  • It’s part of a broader strategy to prevent pneumococcal infections, which can be serious or even life-threatening, especially in older adults and those with certain health conditions.
  • The vaccine may be given as part of a series or in combination with other pneumococcal serotypes for broader protection.
  • While it helps protect against the 17F serotype, it doesn’t guarantee complete immunity against all pneumococcal infections.
  • Always inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and any allergies before receiving the vaccine.
  • Keep a record of your vaccinations and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for any needed boosters or additional doses.

If you have questions about whether you should receive a pneumococcal vaccine containing the 17F serotype, discuss your individual needs and risk factors with your healthcare provider.[3]

Trial Aspect Details
Vaccine Types V116 (21-valent conjugate vaccine), PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23)
Study Populations Adults 18-64 years at increased risk, adults 50+ years, children and adolescents at risk
Primary Outcomes Safety (adverse events), immunogenicity (OPA and IgG responses)
Secondary Outcomes T cell responses, incidence of pneumococcal infections, optimal vaccination timing
Key Serotypes Includes serotype 17F among others
Study Designs Randomized, controlled, multi-center trials
Follow-up Periods Vary by study, ranging from 30 days to 6 months post-vaccination

FAQ

  • What is the main purpose of these clinical trials? The main purpose of these clinical trials is to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and immune responses to new pneumococcal vaccine formulations containing serotype 17F, particularly in adults at increased risk of pneumococcal disease.
  • Which populations are being studied in these trials? The trials are studying various populations, including adults aged 18-64 years at increased risk for pneumococcal disease, adults 50 years and older, and children and adolescents with increased risk of pneumococcal disease.
  • What are some of the key outcomes being measured? Key outcomes include vaccine safety (adverse events), antibody responses (measured by opsonophagocytic activity and IgG levels), T cell responses, and in some cases, incidence of pneumococcal infections or influenza-like illness.
  • How do these trials compare different pneumococcal vaccines? Some trials compare new vaccine formulations (like V116) to existing vaccines such as PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) to evaluate differences in immune responses and protection against various pneumococcal serotypes.
  • What is unique about the pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 17F? Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 17F is one of the serotypes included in newer pneumococcal vaccine formulations being studied. It is part of efforts to broaden protection against different strains of pneumococcal bacteria that can cause disease.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Serotype 17F

  • Study of pneumococcal vaccines in healthy young adults, older adults and people with HIV infection

    Recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

  • Study on the Effectiveness of Pneumococcal Vaccines PCV13 and PPV23 in Adults with Acute Leukemia or Lymphoma Undergoing Chemotherapy

    Recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Study on Long-Term Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Low-Risk Patients Using Tacrolimus Alone or with Mycophenolate Mofetil

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

  • Study on the Safety and Immune Response of V116 Vaccine for Pneumococcal Disease in Adults Aged 50 and Older

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany Spain

  • Study on the Best Time for Influenza Vaccine Administration in Adults Aged 60-85 Using Influenza Vaccine and Drug Combination

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

  • Study on Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness of Ofatumumab for Patients with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czechia Denmark +15

  • Study on the Safety and Immune Response of V116 Vaccine in Children and Adolescents at Higher Risk for Pneumococcal Disease

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Finland France Poland Spain Sweden

  • Study on Venetoclax and Dexamethasone for Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma with Translocation (11;14)

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Denmark

  • Study on Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Pegcetacoplan for Patients with C3 Glomerulopathy or Immune-Complex Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Czechia France Germany Italy +2

Glossary

  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide serotype 17F: A specific type of pneumococcal bacteria capsule that is included as one of the targets in some pneumococcal vaccines to provide protection against that strain.
  • Opsonophagocytic activity (OPA): A laboratory test that measures the ability of antibodies to help immune cells engulf and destroy bacteria, used to assess the functional immune response to pneumococcal vaccines.
  • Immunoglobulin G (IgG): A type of antibody measured in the blood to assess the immune response to vaccination.
  • Geometric mean titers (GMTs): A way of averaging antibody levels across a group of people to assess the overall immune response to a vaccine.
  • Adverse event (AE): Any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporarily associated with the use of a medical treatment or procedure.
  • PPSV23: Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that contains 23 different serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria, also known as Pneumovax 23.
  • V116: An investigational 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine being studied in clinical trials.
  • Serotype: A distinct variation within a species of bacteria, in this case referring to different strains of pneumococcal bacteria with unique surface structures.
  • Conjugate vaccine: A type of vaccine that joins a weak antigen to a strong antigen to elicit a stronger immune response, particularly in young children.
  • Immunogenicity: The ability of a substance, such as a vaccine, to provoke an immune response in the body.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-v116-vaccine-for-adults-aged-18-64-at-increased-risk-of-pneumococcal-infection/
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-long-term-safety-and-effectiveness-of-ofatumumab-for-patients-with-relapsing-multiple-sclerosis/
  3. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-safety-and-immune-response-of-v116-vaccine-in-children-and-adolescents-at-higher-risk-for-pneumococcal-disease/