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[Safety of an influenza-split-vaccine in children]
S Schmitt-Grohé1, A Banzhoff, B Klaassen
1Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany.
Insights
The split-product influenza vaccine Begrivac(R) demonstrated safety and effectiveness in children aged 6 months to 12 years. Post-vaccination, mild to moderate reactions were observed, with high seroprotection rates achieved.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Influenza remains a significant public health concern, necessitating effective vaccination strategies.
- Split-product vaccines are a common method for inducing immunity against seasonal influenza strains.
- Evaluating vaccine safety and immunogenicity in pediatric populations is crucial for public health recommendations.
Purpose:
- To assess the safety and immunogenicity of the split-product influenza vaccine Begrivac(R) in children.
- To determine the seroprotection rates against recommended 1998/99 influenza strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B) following vaccination.
- To document any adverse events (AEs) associated with Begrivac(R) administration in the pediatric cohort.
Summary:
- Eighty-three children (6 months–12 years) received the Begrivac(R) influenza vaccine.
- Mild to moderate local adverse events were reported, with no severe reactions noted.
- Seroprotection rates increased significantly after the second dose, reaching up to 100% against certain strains.
Impact:
- The study supports the use of Begrivac(R) as a safe and effective influenza vaccine for children.
- Findings contribute to the understanding of pediatric influenza vaccine immunogenicity and safety profiles.
- Results can inform vaccination guidelines and public health strategies for influenza prevention in pediatric populations.
Background:
The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of the split-product influenza vaccine Begrivac(R), containing the recommended virus strains for the influenza season 1998/99.
Patients:
Eighty-three children aged 6 months - 12 years were enrolled in the study.
Methods:
Adverse events (AEs) were reported for up to 21 days after the last immunization. A hemagglutination assay was performed of blood samples taken before and after vaccination.
Results:
Only mild (40 %) to moderate and mainly local reactions (redness, swelling, induration and pain) were reported. Seroprotection after the first immunisation was reached against influenza strain A (H1N1) in 75 % of the vaccinees, against strain A (H3N2) in 83 % and against strain B in 33 %. After the second immunisation, 96 % of the population achieved seroprotection against A (H1N1), 100 % against A (H3N2) and 96 % against B.
Conclusions:
The influenza split vaccine is safe and effective in children.