Use of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in preventing otitis media in infants: different results between racial groups.

A total of 133 children between 6 and 11 months of age with at least one episode of otitis media were given one of two pneumococcal vaccines. One vaccine contained 25 microns of types 1, 3, 6, 7, 14, 18, 19, and 23 and the other vaccine (control) contained 25 microns of types 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12, and 25. Follow-up care of the 65 black infants revealed significantly more otitis media visits in those infants receiving the control vaccine. Among the 68 white infants there was no difference between control and vaccine groups after vaccination.