World-first shot seals Eric a place in vaccine history

He may be too young to know it yet, but 4-month-old Eric Yap will have a special story to share for class news one day.

For the youngster became the first baby in the world to get vaccinated for an international clinical trial that is testing the safety and efficacy of a new pneumococcal vaccine.

Eric got the vaccine at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), one of 6 Australian sites taking part in the study which aims to enrol more than 1600 infants worldwide.

The new vaccine which has shown favourable results in earlier studies, has been developed to protect against 21 types of pneumococci, bacteria which are responsible for a host of serious medical conditions including pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis, and bacteraemia (an infection of the blood).

Trial participants are randomised to receive either the new vaccine, or another vaccine that protects against 20 types of pneumococci.

Under Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), Eric would have received a vaccine offering protection against 13 types of pneumococci.

Eric’s parents are both doctors and had no hesitation in accepting an invitation for their first born to be part of the trial.

‘In our line of work, we see a lot of patients with nasty conditions arising from these bacteria, so we were very comfortable having Eric participate,’ Mum Aisling said.

‘As a bonus he will be protected against an additional 7 or 8 strains of the bacteria that are not covered by the vaccine currently offered under the NIP.

‘We know how important this research is, so we are pleased Eric has been able to contribute to it.’

Professor Peter Richmond, who is Head of Immunology at PCH and Heads the Vaccine Trials Group at The Kids Research Institute Australia, is overseeing the study in WA and welcomed Eric’s participation, saying he and its other young participants, were playing a vital role in improving care for children here and around the world.

‘Pneumococci can cause debilitating illnesses – in some cases even death – so having vaccines that can offer protection against more strains causing these diseases is incredibly important,’ he said.

‘As Eric was only 6 weeks old when he received the vaccination, I hope when he is a bit older he will be able to appreciate the important part he has played in advancing vaccine science.’

Families still have an opportunity to participate in the trial, which is looking for infants between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks old who have not yet had their 6-week vaccinations.

Participation is for a period of up to 21 months, during which time participants will receive a pneumococcal vaccine, as well as all the standard vaccines scheduled under the National Immunisation Program.

Families interested in participating should call 0400 450 240 or email pneumo21@thekids.org.au