METHODS

Design:

randomised placebo controlled trial.

Allocation:

concealed.*

Blinding:

blinded (patients and healthcare providers).*

Follow up period:

7 days.

Setting:

43 family practices in the Netherlands.

Patients:

156 children 4–15 years of age (mean age 10 y, 50% boys) who had a sore throat for <7 days and ⩾2 of 4 Centor criteria (history of fever, absence of cough, swollen tender anterior cervical lymph nodes, and tonsillar exudates). Exclusion criteria: imminent quinsy, scarlet fever, requirement of antibiotics, and intolerance to penicillin. 62% had a positive culture for group A streptococci (GAS).

Intervention:

PCV7 (n = 46), PCV3 (n = 54), or placebo for 7 days (n = 56). The dosage was …