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Vaccination against meningococcal group A disease in Finland 1974-75
Abstract:
Meningococcal group A polysaccharide vaccine was used in children 3 months to 5 years of age in the winter 1974-75 during an epidemic caused by sulphanamide-resistant group A meningococci. In 3 provinces, the vaccine was offered on a double-blind basis, using Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccaride vaccine as control. Approximately 100 000 children were vaccinated with either one of the vaccines. In the Kymi province, approximately 22 000 children representing 90% of the child population of this age received the meningococcus vacine. Infants below 18 months received a booster dose of vaccine 3 months after the first dose. The meningococcus vaccine caused local symptoms in 71%, mild systemic reactions in 37%, and high fever (38.5 degrees C or more) in 1.8% The haemophilus vaccine produced fewer side effects. No clinical infections caused by group A meningococci were reported in the first 6 months after vaccination among those who had received the meningococcal vaccine. At the same time, group A cases continued to appear in other age groups and other areas of the country.
Insights
Meningococcal group A polysaccharide vaccine effectively prevented infections in children during a 1974-75 epidemic. The vaccine showed no clinical cases of group A meningococcal disease in vaccinated children within six months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- An epidemic of sulphanamide-resistant group A meningococci occurred in 1974-75.
- Meningococcal disease poses a significant threat, particularly to young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of meningococcal group A polysaccharide vaccine.
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine during an active epidemic.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving approximately 100,000 children aged 3 months to 5 years.
- Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide vaccine used as a control.
- Booster doses administered to infants under 18 months.
Main Results:
- No clinical infections caused by group A meningococci were reported in vaccinated children within 6 months.
- Meningococcal vaccine caused local symptoms (71%), mild systemic reactions (37%), and high fever (1.8%).
- Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine showed fewer side effects.
Conclusions:
- Meningococcal group A polysaccharide vaccine demonstrated significant protection against disease.
- The vaccine is a viable option for controlling group A meningococcal epidemics in children.
- Vaccine safety profile acceptable, with manageable side effects.