Oct. 20--St. Louis University is taking part in two national vaccine studies that could lead to better protection of babies against influenza.
One study involves examining whether vaccinated pregnant women pass their immunity against the flu to their newborn infant. The other involves testing whether babies and toddlers would fare better with a stronger flu vaccine.
Currently, children between the ages of 6 months and 35 months receive half of the full 0.5 ml vaccine dose given to adults and older children. Research never indicated, however, that young children need a reduced dose.
"We're now testing something to see if scientific evidence shows the guidelines established years ago should continue to be followed," said Dr. Edwin Anderson, who is leading the clinical trial for SLU's Center for Vaccine Development.
For the government-funded study, one-third of young children will receive the standard dose while two-thirds will receive the 0.5 ml-strength vaccine.
Researchers will compare the safety and immune system response among the two groups, noting side effects at one week and four weeks after the vaccination and measuring the development of antibodies.
Investigators hypothesize that young children will build up more infection-fighting proteins if they are given the full dose of the vaccine. Scientists also do not expect to see an increase in side effects because the vaccine is generally well tolerated.
"The bottom line is safety," Anderson said. "We are making sure the higher strength of vaccine is safe for babies."
Finding the most effective dose for young children is important, he said, because they contract the flu more frequently than older children and adults and have significantly more medical visits and hospitalizations.
Flu vaccines are not approved for babies younger than 6 months, but a second government-funded study at SLU will examine whether newborns of vaccinated pregnant women are more protected against the flu. Researchers will collect babies' cord blood upon delivery and measure maternal antibodies that are transferred through the placenta. For willing moms, researchers will also measure how much antibody their babies have at 6 weeks.
The study will monitor the safety of this year's vaccine, which includes protection against the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses, in the pregnant women. Medical organizations recommend vaccination for pregnant women because the flu leaves them with higher risk of premature delivery and heart and lung complications.
To learn more about the research or volunteering as a participant, call 314-977-6333 or e-mail vaccine@slu.edu.
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