Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory (NT) have high rates of otitis media caused by non-capsular H. influenzae (NCHi) and pneumococci. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has effectively reduced disease caused by the 7 serotypes. Rates of non-vaccine serotype otitis media (OM), particularly 19A is increasing, and NCHi continues to be a major pathogen in perforations. Parallels with pneumonia are highly probable in this population. Vaccines with expanded and early age protection are needed.