The risk of simple febrile seizures after immunisation with a new group B meningococcal vaccine, New Zealand.
As part of safety monitoring during a group B meningococcal disease vaccination campaign in New Zealand, we examined the possible excess risk of vaccine-associated simple febrile seizures (SFS). We conducted a cohort analysis using data from active hospital-based surveillance in the South Auckland area and a national immunisation register. Based on analysis of approximately 63,000 doses, we found no statistically significant increase in SFS incidence within 1, 2, 4, or 7 days after vaccination for any/all doses administered to children aged 6 months through 4 years. We concluded that the vaccine is unlikely to induce a heightened risk of SFS.
Stehr-Green
Paul
P
Meningococcal Vaccine Strategy, Ministry of Health, Wellington, New Zealand. pstehrgreen@att.net
Radke
Sarah
S
Kieft
Charlotte
C
Galloway
Yvonne
Y
McNicholas
Anne
A
Reid
Stewart
S
D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D038541:Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup B / Q000276:immunology*; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D003294:Seizures, Febrile / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014611:Vaccination
D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines