Increased Incidence of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Children in England: July to December 2021, Compared to Pre-Pandemic Years (2017-2019)

Abstract

Following the removal of COVID-19 restrictions in England, IPD incidence in children aged <15 years was higher during July-December 2021 (1.96/100,000; 95%CI,1.70-2.25), compared to the same period in 2020 (0.7, 0.54-1.88) and three pre-pandemic years, 2017-19 (1.43/100,000 (1.21-1.68). Adult IPD incidence also increased but remained 48% below the pre-pandemic period.

Note:
Funding Information: This work was supported by the UK Health Security Agency. Authors did not receive any external funding for this study.

Declaration of Interests: The Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division has provided vaccine manufacturers with post-marketing surveillance reports on pneumococcal and meningococcal infection which the companies are required to submit to the UK Licensing authority in compliance with their Risk Management Strategy. A cost recovery charge is made for these reports. SNL performs contract research on behalf of St. George’s University of London (SGUL) and UK Health Security Agency for pharmaceutical companies but receives no personal remuneration. CLS, SE, DL, and NKF report payment to their institution for investigator-led research in pneumococcal pneumonia or carriage, or both, in humans by GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer. All other authors declare no competing interests.

Keywords: Invasive pneumococcal disease; surveillance; paediatric; Conjugate vaccines; COVID-19