Encouraging Results from 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Trials in Children

Strategic Insights -

Rear Admiral Anne Schuchat, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported encouraging results from clinical trials of a 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in healthy children. The trial, conducted in children from 6 months to 17 years of age, tested two different dosages of the vaccine – 15 versus 30 micrograms – and evaluated the immune response to one and two doses of the vaccine. The initial results indicate that a single 15-microgram dose of vaccine is well tolerated and induces immune responses in most older children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is acting similarly to the seasonal flu vaccine in children.
  • A single 15-microgram dose of vaccine is well tolerated and induces immune responses in most older children (76% of children 10-17 years old had a robust immune response).
  • Younger children (3-9 years old) showed a less robust immune response (36% had a robust immune response), but still induced a positive response.
  • Children under 3 years old showed the least robust response (25% had a robust immune response).
  • The results suggest that one dose of vaccine would be sufficient to induce an immune response that is predictive of protection in children ages 10-17 years old.

Statistics:

  • 76% of children 10-17 years old had a robust immune response to a single 15-microgram dose of vaccine.
  • 36% of children 3-9 years old had a robust immune response to a single 15-microgram dose of vaccine.
  • 25% of children 6 months-3 years old had a robust immune response to a single 15-microgram dose of vaccine.

Sources:

  • [Federal News Service, Inc.] Part 2 of Department of Health and Human Services Conference Call with Rear Admiral Anne Schuchat, et al. (September 21, 2009)