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Reactogenicity and safety of meningococcal A and C vaccine in Saudi children
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Group A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine was safe and effective in children during a 1992 outbreak. No invasive group A meningococcal disease cases were observed in vaccinated children within 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Group A Neisseria meningitidis outbreaks pose significant public health risks, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Effective vaccination strategies are crucial for controlling meningococcal disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the group A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine during a group A Neisseria meningitidis outbreak.
- To assess adverse reactions and the incidence of invasive group A meningococcal disease in vaccinated children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1,168 children (aged 2-18 years) received the group A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
- Parental surveys were used to collect data on vaccine reactions and disease development.
- Follow-up observation for invasive group A meningococcal disease occurred over 12 months post-immunization.
Main Results:
- The vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with common adverse reactions including local pain (21.9%), erythema (12.2%), and swelling (7.2%).
- Systemic reactions such as fever (1.7%) and irritability (3.7%) were infrequent.
- No cases of meningitis or sepsis caused by group A Neisseria meningitidis were reported in vaccinated children within the 12-month observation period.
Conclusions:
- The group A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile in children during an outbreak.
- Immunization with this vaccine provided effective protection against invasive group A meningococcal disease for at least 12 months.
Abstract:
During an outbreak caused by group A Neisseria meningitidis in March 1992, groups A and C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine was administered to 1,168 children aged from 2 to 18 years. Parents were surveyed to ascertain reactions of children to the vaccine and development of invasive group A meningococcal disease after immunization. The most common reactions were mild local pain (21.9%), erythema (12.2%), and swelling at the injection site (7.2%). Only 1.7% of the children experienced fever and 3.7% displayed irritability. The vaccine was well tolerated and all adverse reactions disappeared within 24-48 hours of immunization. No cases of meningitis or sepsis caused by group A meningococci were seen in the 1st 12 months of observation among the vaccinated children.