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Response of preterm infants to diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
B A Koblin1, T R Townsend, A Muñoz
1Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD.
Insights
Preterm infants can safely receive the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine starting at 2 months old. This study confirms comparable immune responses and safety in preterm infants compared to full-term infants, supporting current pediatric guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccination for preterm infants starting at 2 months of age.
- This recommendation is based on limited data regarding immunogenicity and safety in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the DTP vaccine in preterm infants.
- To compare vaccine responses and adverse events between preterm and full-term infants.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 110 preterm and 146 full-term infants.
- Infants received DTP vaccine doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.
- Antibody titers and incidence of adverse events were analyzed using adjusted statistical models.
Main Results:
- Adjusted analysis showed comparable mean antibody titers to all DTP components in preterm infants versus full-term infants after three doses.
- The incidence of adverse events was not significantly higher in preterm infants compared to full-term infants.
- DTP vaccination initiated at 2 months is both immunogenic and safe for preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation for initiating DTP vaccination at 2 months for preterm infants.
- DTP vaccine demonstrates adequate immunogenicity and a favorable safety profile in preterm infants.
- Early DTP immunization is crucial for protecting preterm infants against serious diseases.
Abstract:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that immunization of preterm infants with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine should begin at 2 months after birth, regardless of gestational age, is based on limited data. A prospective study was conducted to determine the immunogenicity and safety of DTP vaccine in preterm infants. One hundred ten preterm and 146 full term infants received doses of DTP at 2, 4 and 6 months after birth. Adjusted analysis of the antibody responses indicated that after three doses mean titers among preterm infants to each vaccine component were comparable to those of full term infants. Adjusted analysis of the incidence of adverse events indicated that the risk of adverse events in preterm infants was not significantly higher than that in full term infants. DTP vaccine is immunogenic and safe in preterm infants when the series is initiated at 2 months after birth, and this study supports the current recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics.