[Safety of an influenza-split-vaccine in children].
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.


METHODS
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.
Schmitt-Grohé
S
S
Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany.
Banzhoff
A
A
Klaassen
B
B
Zielen
S
S
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006385:Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007252:Influenza Vaccines