Effective influenza vaccines for children: a critical unmet medical need and a public health priority

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2012 Mar;8(3):398-402. doi: 10.4161/hv.18561. Epub 2012 Feb 13.

Abstract

Seasonal influenza causes clinical illness and hospitalization in all age groups; however, conventional inactivated vaccines have only limited efficacy in young children. MF59(®), an oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant, has been used since the 1990s to enhance the immunogenicity of influenza vaccines in the elderly, a population with waning immune function due to immunosenescence. Clinical trials now provide information to support a favorable immunogenicity and safety profile of MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine in young children. Published data indicate that Fluad(®), a trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine with MF59, was immunogenic and well tolerated in young children, with a benefit/risk ratio that supports routine clinical use. A recent clinical trial also shows that Fluad provides high efficacy against PCR-confirmed influenza. Based on the results of clinical studies in children, the use of MF59-adjuvanted vaccine offers the potential to enhance efficacy and make vaccination a viable prevention and control strategy in this population.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Vaccines
  • fluad vaccine