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An Optimized Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Assay to Quantify Influenza-specific Antibody Titers
06:34

An Optimized Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Assay to Quantify Influenza-specific Antibody Titers

Published on: December 1, 2017

Optimizing protection against influenza in children eligible for the vaccine for children program

Harry F Hull1, Heidi O'Connor

  • 1HF Hull & Associates, Saint Paul, MN 55116, USA. idepi@Q.com

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) offers superior protection for children in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Preferential use of LAIV, especially for young children needing two doses, can significantly improve influenza immunity rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program exhibit lower influenza immunization rates and second-dose completion.
  • Live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) demonstrates higher vaccine efficacies (VEs) compared to trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To model the percentage of VFC-eligible children who would achieve immunity following influenza vaccination.
  • To compare the potential population protection offered by LAIV versus TIV in the VFC population.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized published VE estimates and vaccine utilization data from a nationwide study.
  • Modeled immunity percentages in VFC-eligible children aged 24 months to 17 years.
  • Analyzed second-dose completion rates for children recommended to receive two doses.

Main Results:

  • LAIV vaccination resulted in 73%–83% population immunity compared to 53%–68% with TIV.
  • Immunity differences were most pronounced in children aged 24–59 months, with LAIV achieving 71%–78% immunity versus 48%–60% for TIV.
  • LAIV vaccination could increase immunity by 29%–47% in children aged 24–59 months before peak influenza season.

Conclusions:

  • LAIV provides substantially higher population protection for VFC children due to its higher VE and lower second-dose completion rates with TIV.
  • LAIV should be preferentially administered to the VFC population, particularly children aged 24–59 months and those requiring two doses.
  • While not suitable for all children, strategic use of LAIV can enhance influenza prevention in this vulnerable group.
Abstract

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