An immunogenic composition having 13 distinct
polysaccharide-
protein conjugates and optionally, an aluminum-based
adjuvant, is described. Each conjugate contains a capsular
polysaccharide prepared from a different
serotype of
Streptococcus pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) conjugated to a
carrier protein. The immunogenic composition, formulated as a vaccine, increases coverage against
pneumococcal disease in infants and young children globally, and provides coverage for serotypes 6A and 19A that is not dependent on the limitations of serogroup cross-protection. Also described is a method for making an immunogenic conjugate comprising
Streptococcus pneumoniae
serotype 3
polysaccharide covalently linked to a
carrier protein, the method including
periodic acid oxidation of the polysaccharide in the presence of bivalent cations.