Pneumonia remains the leading infectious killer of children. For years, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have protected children against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the leading bacterial cause. Now, maternal RSV vaccination offers protection from birth against respiratory syncytial virus—the leading viral cause of childhood pneumonia and a major cause of infant hospitalization. These vaccines are “better together” and offer an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen protection against pneumonia during children’s most vulnerable years.
Their protection is complementary: maternal vaccination protects babies during their first months, while PCV builds protection through infancy and early childhood. Evidence also suggests overlapping benefits: PCV can reduce RSV-associated hospitalizations, and RSV prevention with the antibody nirsevimab has been associated with fewer hospitalizations for invasive pneumococcal disease.
PCV savings could help finance RSV protection. Countries can consider switching to a more affordable vaccine, such as Pneumosil, where appropriate. Mature programs meeting WHO criteria—including sustained high PCV and measles vaccination coverage—can consider a two-dose schedule. Either approach could release funding to expand protection, reduce pressure on hospitals and accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3.2: ending preventable newborn and child deaths.