Gordean Bjornson

Safety and immunogenicity of Haemophilus influenzae vaccine (tetanus toxoid conjugate) administered concurrently or combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, pertussis vaccine and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine to healthy infants at two, four and six months of age.

The safety and immunogenicity of Haemophilus influenzae vaccine (tetanus toxoid conjugate (PRP-T) administered concurrently in separate sites or mixed in the same syringe with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, pertussis vaccine and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine were assessed in 439 infants at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. The proportions with local redness, tenderness and swelling in the separate and combined groups were 18% vs. 11% (P < 0.001), 27% vs. 24% and 15% vs. 13%, respectively. Systemic reactions occurred at similar rates in both groups. The combined vaccine induced tetanus and diphtheria antitoxin titers > or = 0.01 IU/ml in 99.5 and 99.1% of infants, pertussis agglutinin titers > or = 64 in 92.4%, anti-polyribosylribitol phosphate titers > or = 0.15 microgram/ml in 93.8% and > or = 1.0 microgram/ml in 75% and polio-neutralizing titers > or = 8 in > 98% of infants. However, antibody concentrations to PRP-T, some pertussis antigens and tetanus toxoid were significantly lower after combined than after separate injections of DPT/diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, pertussis vaccine and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine and PRP-T. The clinical significance of these differences is not known, but the interactions observed among the components of the pentavalent vaccine may be of concern because they might influence antibody persistence until the fourth dose is administered.

Controlled trial of Haemophilus influenzae type B diphtheria toxoid conjugate combined with diphtheria tetanus and pertussis vaccines, in 18-month-old children, including comparison of arm versus thigh injection

A randomized, controlled comparison was made in 175 healthy 18-month-old children given either diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine, adsorbed (DTP) and haemophilus b diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (PRP/D) concurrently at separate sites (66 children) or a new vaccine combining these products (109 children). Rates of local or systemic adverse effects postimmunization and antibody responses to each component did not differ significantly between groups. DTP-containing vaccines were better tolerated when given in the thigh than in the arm. The combination DTP-PRP/D vaccine performed satisfactorily at 18 months of age, avoiding the inconvenience of two injections.

Assessment of Parent Education Methods for Infant Immunization

OBJECTIVE To assess whether a video about infant immunization could inform parents as well as human counselling (oral presentation). METHODS Core information for parents about infant immunization was identified and packaged in an instructional video and a scripted oral presentation. Volunteer prenatal classes were randomly assigned a video or oral presentation. Participants completed pre- and post-test questionnaires covering the same 16 items. Scores were compared for each question and as a group means, using Fishers exact test, 2-sided. RESULTS 227 subjects participated, including 102 men and 124 women. Groups were similar in terms of gender mix, parenting experience and recent reading about immunization. Pre-test knowledge scores were similarly low between groups. Post-test scores were much higher but did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS In a prenatal classroom setting, video and oral presentations were equally effective in conveying key information about infant immunization.

Effectiveness of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in greater Vancouver, Canada: 2004-2005

Active, population-based surveillance for invasive pneumococcal infections in Greater Vancouver (population 473,000 children) demonstrated a rapid, substantial decrease in incidence rates for children 6–23 months old with routine infant vaccination. In the subpopulation with best case ascertainment disease rates for 6–23 month olds decreased 84.6% (92.5% for vaccine serotypes).

Maternal immunisation: collaborating with mother nature

Maternal immunisation has the potential to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases after birth. The success of tetanus, influenza, and pertussis immunisation during pregnancy has led to consideration of additional maternal immunisation strategies to prevent group B streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus infections, among others. However, many gaps in knowledge regarding the immunobiology of maternal immunisation prevent the optimal design and application of this successful public health intervention. Therefore, we did an innovative landscape analysis to identify research priorities. Key topics were delineated through review of the published literature, consultation with vaccine developers and regulatory agencies, and a collaborative workshop that gathered experts across several maternal immunisation initiatives-group B streptococcus, respiratory syncytial virus, pertussis, and influenza. Finally, a global online survey prioritised the identified knowledge gaps on the basis of expert opinion about their importance and relevance. Here we present the results of this worldwide landscape analysis and discuss the identified research gaps.

Comparative safety of tetanus-diphtheria toxoids booster immunization in students in Grades 6 and 9

BACKGROUND Tetanus-diphtheria toxoids (Td) booster immunization is generally recommended for Grade 9 students (14- to 16-year-olds) but targeting younger students may enhance vaccine uptake or facilitate simultaneous vaccinations. However, earlier vaccination might cause greater side effects. This study was undertaken to compare the safety of Td vaccinations in students in Grade 6 (11 to 12 years old) and Grade 9. METHODS A controlled, sequential assessment of Td vaccine, adsorbed, was conducted in one urban school district, starting with Grade 9 students. Grade 6 students were given Td concurrently with Dose 3 of hepatitis B vaccine. Adverse effects were assessed during visits 2 days after vaccination. Participation criteria, immunization technique and assessment procedures were standardized. RESULTS Of 410 students vaccinated, 204 in Grade 9 and 206 in Grade 6, 391 (95.4%) were assessed in person. Nineteen missed follow-up visits but telephone interviewers established that none missed school because of vaccine side effects. At follow-up Grade 6 students more often reported deltoid pain with arm movement (35.2% vs. 10.8%, P < 0.001). Injection site redness > or = 50 mm in diameter was present in 12.2% of Grade 6 and 3.6% of Grade 9 students (P < 0.001) whereas swelling > or = 50 mm diameter was present in 22.4 and 10.8%, respectively (P < 0.01). Fewer than 10% of subjects took analgesics for injection site pain. Only 5 students (1.3%) rated Td site morbidity as severe/unacceptable. Hepatitis B site morbidity was minimal in comparison. CONCLUSION Td boosters were moderately reactogenic in adolescents. Younger students more often experienced injection site morbidity but considered it bearable. Booster immunizations can reasonably be offered within the age range of 11 to 16 years.

Oculorespiratory Syndrome After Influenza Immunization in Children

Background: During the 2000–2001 season, an oculorespiratory syndrome (ORS) was identified in association with 1 manufacturers influenza vaccine in Canada. ORS included bilateral red eyes, facial edema or respiratory symptoms beginning within 24 hours of influenza immunization. Few reports involved children. We assessed the rate of ORS in a pediatric cohort. Methods: In February 2001, invitation to participate in an influenza vaccine safety survey was sent to the parents of children who attend a diabetes clinic. A questionnaire elicited influenza immunization history and adverse event experience beginning within 1 day of vaccination for the child with diabetes and up to 3 siblings. Follow-up telephone interviews collected information from those who failed to return a questionnaire by mail. Results: Of the 959 households sent a questionnaire, 780 participated (81%). Among 780 children with diabetes, 418 (54%) received influenza vaccine in 2000. Adverse event experience was collected from an additional 242 immunized siblings. Among immunized children, 13% (95% confidence interval, 10–16%) experienced ORS, consisting primarily of respiratory symptoms. The majority (72%) resolved within 2 days. There was association between ORS and first time receipt of influenza vaccine (OR 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–4.4). Fewer parents of ORS-affected compared with unaffected children indicated that they were likely or very likely to have their child revaccinated (87 versus 97%; P < 0.001). Conclusions: In 2000–2001, children experienced ORS in Canada at a rate comparable with that of adults. ORS should be incorporated into influenza vaccine safety monitoring and discussed with parents, especially those contemplating influenza vaccine for their child for the first time.

Evaluation of ready-to-use and multi-dose influenza vaccine formats in large clinic settings

Large immunization clinics are commonly held to deliver influenza vaccine to seniors and others. Vaccine is typically dispensed from multi-dose vials but pre-filled syringes are now available, offering time savings for vaccinators. To determine if the higher purchase price of such syringes is offset by savings in time and injection supplies, we did a controlled comparison of syringe and vial formats in two large, concurrent, community-based influenza vaccination clinics. Vaccine preparation and immunization times were carefully documented along with costs for vaccine purchase, storage and injection supplies. Servicing 1,000 clients required 27 nurse hours using syringes and 36 hours using vials but the savings for personnel (

Strategies for successful rapid trials of influenza vaccine

234) and supplies (

Population-based surveillance of invasive group A streptococcal disease in British Columbia: 1996 to 1998

1,190) using syringes were exceeded by higher vaccine cost (