Funders:
  • National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Collaborators:
  • Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI)
  • University of Western Australia (UWA)
  • University of Edinburgh 
     
Aim:

Our primary aim is to determine if immune responses are better if a dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is given early in hospital, or delayed (after 30 days of nutritional recovery).

Objectives:

Our research addresses three key questions:

  • when is the best time to give PCV to children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM)?
  • does immune protection persist at 6 months post vaccination?
  • does timing of vaccination affect clinical and microbiological outcomes?
Summary:

Malnutrition is a global public health problem worsening due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates of malnutrition in Timor-Leste, where this study is based, are among the highest in the world. Recovery from malnutrition is often complicated by pneumonia or death. It is critical that malnourished children receive vaccines like the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which prevents pneumonia. But we don’t know when the best time is to vaccinate. This study will answer important questions about when to use PCV in children with SAM.

Implications for policy and practice:

Our results will inform evidence-based guidelines for PCV use in the routine care of acute malnutrition internationally. We will also answer important questions about immune function in children with malnutrition. 

Chief Investigator:

Dr Nicholas Fancourt

Project dates:

The project will commence in 2024 and is due to conclude in February 2029. 

Information for study participants:

Families of children hospitalised with severe acute malnutrition in Dili, Timor-Leste will be approached to be part of this study. Participating families can contact the study team at any time.