Practice News

Dear Parents,

As some of you know, we periodically participate in clinical studies which I feel will potentially benefit our patients. Such an opportunity has arisen from the Pfizer company who is evaluating a new pneumococcal vaccine.

The pneumococcal vaccine which your children currently receive at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months protects against twenty variants of the pneumococcal bacteria. Pfizer is investigating a new vaccine that will protect against twenty-five forms of the bacteria. Children will be randomized in a blinded manner, either receiving the standard vaccine or the new vaccine. Pfizer will be providing all the vaccines the children typically receive at their visits. 

There are three blood draws required at 7, 12 and 15 months. Normally the children have a CBC or blood count, and lead level drawn at 12 months. So, it will mean two additional blood draws at 7 and 15 months. They require a small amount of blood, equivalent to a teaspoon in volume. 

Pfizer will be providing parents with a $100.00 gift card for each of the blood drawers. On your child’s 2 month visit you will be offered the opportunity to participate in the study. Your cooperation and participation are greatly appreciated in that you will be assisting in the provision of a new and more effective vaccine for all children.

It is not anticipated that the new vaccine will add any adverse reactions and a study such as this is always required by the FDA before approving a new vaccine. Upon completion of the study, you will be informed as to which vaccine your child has received. The study will commence in May. 

 Please let me know if you have any related questions. 

Thank you,

Dr. Dracker