BACKGROUND: Pneumonia has been one of leading causes of childhood mortality in Colombia. Since 2006, the Colombian Ministry of Health recommends pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to high-risk groups. The universal mass vaccination program was fully implemented in 2011 (2-4-12-month schedule). In 2012, Pneumococcal polysaccharide protein D-conjugate vaccine replaced the use of 7-valent PCV. The aim of the current study is to describe trends in pneumonia-related mortality in Colombian children, before and after the introduction of the PCV program.
METHODS & MATERIALS: Data on all pneumonia-related deaths based on ICD-10 codes, population estimates and PCV coverage from 2005-2016 were obtained from the Colombian Ministry of Health National Immunization Program and the National Administrative Department databases. Annual pneumonia mortality rates were plotted to detect seasonal trends or other patterns in the data. Percent reductions in mortality in post- vs pre-PCV period were computed.for children aged < 5 years.
RESULTS: A total of 7043 pneumonia-related deaths were identified nationally in children aged < 5 years during the study period. A 52.71% (95% CI 49.96, 55.32) reduction in pneumonia death was observed in post- vs pre-vaccination period nationwide. In the cities of Bogota, Barranquilla, Cali, and Medellin a reduction of 66.7% (95% CI 60.7-71.8), 46.51% (95% CI 31.86, 58.01), 51.11(95% CI 31.86, 58.01)% and 60.19 (95% CI 49.53, 68.60) % was observed, respectively. Results of other regions and cities are pending.
CONCLUSION: Preliminary results show a trend in reduction in pneumonia-related deaths in children < 5 years following PCV implementation nationwide and in within multiple cities in Colombia. Other health interventions and improvements in socio-economic conditions could have contributed and will be explored in the upcoming regression analysis.
