Researchers from Merck & Company, Inc. report recent findings in hepatitis A virus
2008 JAN 14 -- According to recent research published in the journal Vaccine, "Administration of two doses of hepatitis A (HA) vaccine to children > 2 years of age has been shown to be protective. The present study assessed whether HA vaccine can be administered as early as 6 months of age and whether it can be administered concomitantly with a hexavalent (HV) vaccine at this age." "In an open label, randomized, parallel group study, the liquid HV vaccine (HEXAVACO) (diphtheria, tetanus, 2-component acellular pertussis, inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugated to tetanus protein and hepatitis 13) was administered at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age to all children. HA vaccine (VAQTA) was given at 7 and 13 months in the separate administration group (Group 1) and at 6 and 12 months in the concomitant administration group (Group 2). Serum samples were obtained at 2, 7, 12, and 14 months in Group 1 and at 2, 7, 12, and 13 months in Group 2. The primary immunogenicity outcomes were the seroconversion rates for HA 1 month after the second dose of HA vaccine in initially seronegative subjects, and the seroconversion rates for each HV antigen 1 month after the third dose of the HV vaccine (both at 7 months of age). HA seropositivity rates 1 month after the second dose were 100% in both groups, regardless of initial serostatus. The responses to each HV antigen 1 month after the third dose were similar in both groups. The vaccines were generally well tolerated in both groups regardless of vaccine(s) administered," wrote S. Stojanov and colleagues, Merck & Company, Inc. The researchers concluded: "A schedule of two doses of HA vaccine, 6 months apart beginning at 6 months of age is highly immunogenic and well tolerated when administered alone or concomitantly with HV vaccine at 6 and 12 months of age." Stojanov and colleagues published their study in Vaccine (Administration of hepatitis A vaccine at 6 and 12 months of age concomitantly with hexavalent (DTaP-IPV-PRP similar to T-HBs) combination vaccine. Vaccine, 2007;25(43):7549-7558). For additional information, contact J.E. Stek, Merck & Co. Inc., POB 100, UG3C-06, N Wales, PA 19454, USA. The publisher's contact information for the journal Vaccine is: Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England. Keywords: United States, Wales, Biotechnology, Diphtheria, Flu, Gastroenterology, HAV, Haemophilus, Hepatitis A Vaccines, Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatology, Immunization, Infectious Disease, Influenza, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Vaccination, Virology, Whooping Cough, Merck & Company, Inc. This article was prepared by Hepatitis Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Hepatitis Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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