A new international clinical trial, led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), is testing a next-generation pneumococcal vaccine that could offer stronger protection for babies.
The vaccine targets 21 strains of pneumococcus—an increase from the 13 strains currently covered under Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, bloodstream infections, and sinusitis, which are particularly dangerous for children under two.
In 2024, Victoria reported 602 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease, with over half occurring in children aged 0–4 years.
The Melbourne arm of the trial is recruiting 50 families with healthy two-month-old babies who have not yet received their first vaccinations.
Participants will receive the new pneumococcal vaccine at two, four, six, and 12–15 months of age, alongside all routine NIP vaccines.
Families will be enrolled in the study for up to 19 months, which will also include three blood tests.
Professor Margie Danchin from MCRI emphasized the importance of broader protection, noting that while there are more than 90 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria, this new vaccine covering 21 strains has the potential to save more lives.
However, she added that researchers must first confirm its safety and ability to trigger a protective antibody response before it can be introduced into the national immunisation schedule.
Parents like Lisa, whose three-month-old daughter Lucy is part of the trial, have welcomed the opportunity to be involved. “As a nurse, I know how important vaccination is to keeping my baby safe,” she said.
“Without trials like this, we wouldn’t discover better, more effective vaccines.”
The study will recruit more than 1,600 babies worldwide, including participants from Australia, the United States, Puerto Rico, Honduras, South Korea, and Thailand.