Safety and immunogenicity of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in infants.
BACKGROUND
Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) is not licensed for use in infants <6 months old, the group with the highest influenza hospitalization rates among children.


METHODS
In this prospective, open-label study, 2 doses of TIV were administered to healthy infants aged 10-22 weeks. Adverse reactions were assessed, and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody titers were determined. Weekly telephone surveillance for influenza-like illness was conducted during the influenza season.


RESULTS
A total of 42 infants were enrolled and completed the study. Mild local and systemic reactions were noted. In the first season (2004-2005), postvaccination HAI titers >1:32 were noted for 31.6%, 47.4%, and 21.1% of 19 subjects for H1N1, H3N2, and B strains included in the vaccine, respectively. In the second season (2005-2006), postvaccination HAI titers >1:32 were seen in 45.5%, 59.1%, and 0% of 23 subjects for H1N1, H3N2, and B strains included in the vaccine, respectively. Infants who were seronegative before vaccination (titers <1:8) were significantly more likely to have a 4-fold rise in antibody titer after vaccination, compared with infants who had prevaccination titers >1:8 (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Two doses of TIV were found to be safe and moderately immunogenic against some influenza strains. The presence of preexisting maternally derived antibody was associated with significantly lower seroresponse rates to vaccination. Whether vaccination with TIV will prevent influenza in these young children remains to be determined.
Halasa
Natasha B
NB
Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. natasha.halasa@vanderbilt.edu
Gerber
Michael A
MA
Chen
Qingxia
Q
Wright
Peter F
PF
Edwards
Kathryn M
KM
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006385:Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests; D006801:Humans; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D007223:Infant; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology; D053122:Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / Q000276:immunology; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000276:immunology; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated