Effectiveness of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine among girls, boys, preterm and low-birth-weight infants - Results from a randomized, double-blind vaccine trial

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown differences in susceptibility to infections and immune response to vaccines by sex. Prematurely born infants are at higher risk for pneumococcal diseases, with lower effectiveness for some vaccines compared to term infants. We have reported the effectiveness of the 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV10) on several endpoints in the Finnish Invasive Pneumococcal disease (FinIP) vaccine trial. Now, we present the results of a post-hoc analysis evaluating PHiD-CV10 effectiveness in subgroups by sex, gestational age, and birth weight.

METHODS

The FinIP trial was a phase III/IV cluster-randomized, double-blind trial. Infants enrolled < 7 months of age received PHiD-CV10 in two thirds of clusters (3 + 1 or 2 + 1 schedule) and hepatitis B vaccine as control in remaining third. Outcome data included invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia, tympanostomy tube placements, and antimicrobial purchases collected through national, routinely used health registers. Negative binomial model was used in the incidence and vaccine effectiveness estimation, and differences in incidences between subgroups were tested among control children.

RESULTS

Of the 30,527 infants enrolled 51% were boys. The incidences of hospital-diagnosed pneumonia and otitis-related outcomes were higher among boys in control groups. There were no significant sex differences in the vaccine effectiveness estimates. Altogether, 1519 (5%) infants were born before 37th gestational week. The incidences of pneumonia outcomes were higher among premature infants when compared to term infants. The vaccine effectiveness estimates among preterm infants were not statistically significant except for antimicrobial purchases, but all point estimates were at the same level among preterm infants as among term infants. There was no significant difference between 2 + 1 and 3 + 1 schedules in any of the subgroups analysed.

CONCLUSION

PHiD-CV10 had a similar effectiveness in both sexes, and seemed to be protective in preterm infants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00861380 and NCT00839254.

Vaccine effectiveness of the pneumococcal Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV10) against clinically suspected invasive pneumococcal disease: a cluster-randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Vaccine effectiveness of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines against culture-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease has been well documented. In the Finnish Invasive Pneumococcal disease (FinIP) trial, we reported vaccine effectiveness and absolute rate reduction against laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease (confirmation by culture or antigen or DNA detection irrespective of serotype). Here, we assessed vaccine effectiveness of PHiD-CV10 against clinically suspected invasive pneumococcal disease in children by use of diagnoses coded in hospital discharge registers.

METHODS

For this phase 3/4 cluster-randomised, double-blind trial, undertaken between Feb 18, 2009, and Dec 31, 2011, in municipal health-care centres and the Tampere University Vaccine Research Centre (Finland), we randomly assigned (2:2:1:1) 78 clusters into PHiD-CV10 three plus one, PHiD-CV10 two plus one, control three plus one, control two plus one groups (26:26:13:13 clusters) to give PHiD-CV10 in either three plus one or two plus one schedule (if enrolled before 7 months of age; infant schedules), two plus one (if enrolled between 7 and 11 months; catch-up schedules), and two doses at least 6 months apart (if enrolled between 12 and 18 months; catch-up schedules). Children were eligible if they had not received and were not anticipated to receive any of the study vaccines and had no general contraindications to vaccinations. We collected all inpatient and outpatient discharge notifications from the national hospital discharge register with International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 diagnoses compatible with invasive pneumococcal disease or unspecified sepsis, and verified data with patient files. We excluded invasive pneumococcal disease cases confirmed by positive culture or DNA/RNA detection from normally sterile body fluid. The primary objective was to estimate vaccine effectiveness against all register-based non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease or unspecified sepsis and patient-file verified non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease in infants younger than 7 months at enrolment. Masked follow-up lasted from the date of the first vaccination to Dec 31, 2011. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated against all episodes. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT00861380 and NCT00839254.

FINDINGS

We enrolled 47,366 children. On the basis of ICD-10 diagnoses, we recorded 264 episodes of register-based non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease or unspecified sepsis, of which 102 were patient-file verified non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease. The vaccine effectiveness was 50% (95% CI 32-63) in the 30,527 infants with three plus one and two plus one schedules combined and the absolute incidence rate reduction was 207 episodes per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 127-286). The vaccine effectiveness against the patient-file verified non-laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease was 71% (95% CI 52-83) in infant three plus one and two plus one schedules combined. The absolute rate reduction was 142 episodes per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 91-191) in infant cohorts.

INTERPRETATION

This vaccine-probe analysis is the first report showing the effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on clinically suspected invasive pneumococcal disease. The absolute rate reduction was markedly higher compared with laboratory-confirmed invasive pneumococcal disease, which implies low sensitivity of the laboratory-based case definitions and subsequently higher public health effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines against invasive pneumococcal disease than previously estimated.

FUNDING

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA and National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finland.

Immunogenicity, safety and reactogenicity of the 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) in Nigerian Infants: a randomised trial

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety of the 10- valent pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) were evaluated in a cohort of Nigerian infants included in a study conducted in Mali and Nigeria (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00678301).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In this open, randomised, controlled study, 119 healthy infants received combined diphtheria-tetanus-whole-cell pertussis-hepatitis B/ Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (DTPw-HBV/Hib) and oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) co-administered with PHiD-CV (PHiD-CV group) or without PHiD-CV (control group) at 6-10-14 weeks of age. Pneumococcal antibody responses and opsonophagocytic activity were measured and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

One month post-dose 3, for each of the vaccine pneumococcal serotypes, e"90.1% of PHiD-CV recipients had an antibody concentration e"0.2 ug/mL compared to < 9 % (except for serotypes 14 [32.4%] and 19F [27.8%]) in the control group. For each of the vaccine pneumococcal serotypes, e"90.6% of infants in the PHiD-CV group had an OPA titre e"8, compared to % 18% (except for serotype 7F [60.0%]) in the control group. Anti-protein D antibody geometric mean antibody concentrations were 2949.7 EL.U/mL in the PHiD-CV group and 68.9 EL.U/mL in the control group. For each DTPw-HBV/Hib antigen antibody seroprotection/seropositivity rates were e"94.4%. Tolerability was generally comparable between the PHiD-CV and control vaccination groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PHiD-CV co-administered with routine vaccines was immunogenic for all vaccine pneumococcal serotypes and protein D in Nigerian infants. Vaccine tolerability was generally comparable between the PHiD-CV and control groups. These results suggest PHiD-CV can be co-administered with other vaccines included in the National Programme on Immunisation.

Booster immunization with a hexavalent diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, hepatitis B, inactivated poliovirus vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate combination vaccine in the second year of life: safety, immunogenicity and persistence of antibody responses

The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of booster vaccination with GSK Biologicals' hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine was assessed in toddlers aged 12-18 months previously primed with the same combination (N=341), or with DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV administered separately (N=102; Trials 217744/059 and 217744/096). Antibody persistence at age 4-6 years was also assessed in children who had received a 4th consecutive dose of DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine or separate DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines in this study and in another study conducted under similar conditions in Germany. Prior to booster vaccination in the second year of life, antibody concentrations and seroprotection rates were similar irrespective of the primary vaccine used. One month after boosting with DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib, substantial antibody increases were observed against all vaccine antigens indicative of previous immune priming. Seropositivity and booster response rates against all antigens were 97.4-100%. Reactogenicity following booster vaccination with DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib was similar regardless of the primary regimen used. Three to four years after administration of the 4th DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib dose, >90% vaccinees had persistent protective antibody concentrations against diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib and the three poliovirus types. Anti-tetanus antibody concentrations were > or = 0.1 IU/ml in 76.4% subjects and seropositivity for pertussis antibodies ranged from 34.5% for PT to 98.9% for FHA. In conclusion, the combined hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine is immunogenic and safe when used for boosting in the second year of life, regardless of the primary vaccine used, and offers sustained protection during early childhood and beyond.

A comparison of booster immunisation with a combination DTPa-IPV vaccine or DTPa plus IPV in separate injections when co-administered with MMR, at age 4–6 years

This study evaluated GSK's combined DTPa-IPV vaccine (Infanrix-IPV) given as a fifth consecutive acellular pertussis booster dose in conjunction with the second dose of MMR vaccine (Priorix) in children aged 4-6 years. The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of this vaccine regimen was compared with separate injections of DTPa and IPV when given concomitantly with MMR. A cohort of 362 children previously primed with four doses of DTPa and OPV, and a single dose of MMR were randomized to receive either DTPa-IPV+MMR (N=181) or DTPa+IPV+MMR (N=181). Antibody concentrations were measured prior to and 1 month after the booster dose. After immunisation all subjects from both groups had seroprotective antibody levels against diphtheria, tetanus and the three poliovirus serotypes, > or = 96% showed vaccine response to PT, FHA and PRN, all were seropositive to mumps and rubella, and all but one subject were seropositive to measles. Immunogenicity results for each component antigen were similar for DTPa-IPV and separately co-administered DTPa and IPV. Local reactions were common with 24.0% and 31.1% of children experiencing swelling >50mm at the DTPa-IPV and DTPa injection sites, respectively. The DTPa-IPV combination did not increase the incidence or intensity of adverse events compared with separately administered DTPa+IPV. The response to the concomitantly administered MMR vaccine was similar in the two groups and similar to previously reported responses for a second dose of MMR. This combined DTPa-IPV vaccine has a similar reactogenicity profile to DTPa, is immunogenic when given as a booster dose at 4-6 years of age, and has no impact on the immunogenicity of a co-administered second dose of MMR vaccine.

Safety and immunogenicity of a combined DTPa–IPV vaccine administered as a booster from 4 years of age: A review

A combined DTPa-IPV booster vaccine was administered as a 4th or 5th dose after DTPa or DTPw priming. Over 99% vaccines developed antibody levels considered to be protective to diphtheria, tetanus and poliovirus, and >95% mounted a response to acellular pertussis antigens. Rectal temperature >39.5 degrees C was observed in at most 3.2% of vaccinees. Swelling >50 mm occurred in 24% of DTPa-primed compared to 5.5% of DTPw-primed children. Large swelling involving the entire upper arm (extending to involve the elbow joint) was reported for up to 1.2% of DTPa-primed subjects, which is consistent with literature reports for other DTPa vaccines.

Booster vaccination with hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine in the second year of life is as safe as concomitant DTPa-IPV/Hib + HBV administered separately

The safety and reactogenicity of a booster dose of GSK Biologicals' hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine (N=4725) was compared with the separate administration of GSK Biologicals' DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines (N=4474) in two open, randomized multicenter studies (A and B). Solicited symptoms occurring within 4 days of vaccination were recorded on diary cards and serious adverse events (SAEs) were collected throughout the study period. In Study A (N=1149), incidences of solicited symptoms were similar in both groups; there were no SAEs either reported within 4 days of vaccination or considered to be causally related to vaccination. In study B (N=8050), where fever was the only solicited symptom, rectal temperature > or =39.5 degrees C was observed in 2.5% and 2.8% of the subjects, respectively. Fever > or =40.0 degrees C was rare (0.6%), and only two cases of febrile convulsions were recorded during the 4 days following vaccination both in the control group. Large swelling reactions (defined as local injection site swelling with diameter >50 mm, noticeable diffuse injection site swelling or noticeable increased circumference of the injected limb) were reported following 2.3% of the booster vaccine doses, regardless of the vaccine used. Extensive swelling reactions involving an adjacent joint were reported in 0.1% of the subjects. Two SAEs, both reported after booster doses of DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines administered separately, were considered by the investigators to be related to vaccination. Both resolved completely without sequelae. The hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine and the DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines administered separately have similar good reactogenicity and safety profiles when given as booster doses in the second year of life.

Effects of lowering the aluminium content of a dTpa vaccine on its immunogenicity and reactogenicity when given as a booster to adolescents

As aluminium in vaccines has been associated with the incidence of local side effects occurring after vaccination, this observer-blind randomised clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effect of lowering the aluminium content of a combined reduced-antigen-content dTpa vaccine on immunogenicity and safety when administered to healthy adolescents aged 10-18 years. A total of 647 subjects were enrolled, 224 (35%) received a dTpa formulation with 0.5 mg aluminium, 209 (32%) a formulation with 0.3 mg aluminium and 214 (33%) a formulation with 0.133 mg aluminium. One month after boostering, all subjects were seroprotected against diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. All subjects were seropositive for anti-FHA and anti-PRN but 4% of the initially seronegatives in both reduced aluminium groups did not seroconvert for anti-PT. Booster responses did not differ significantly between groups for any antibody, but post booster vaccination anti-PT GMC's differed significantly between groups and decreased when vaccine aluminium content decreased. No clear difference between study groups in local or general side effects was demonstrated. The most frequently reported symptoms after vaccination were injection site pain (89.5-90.7%), fatigue (42.1-47.4%) and headache (41.1-45.1%). This study showed that the aluminium content has a specific influence on the immunogenicity of this dTpa vaccine.

Antibody persistence, PRP-specific immune memory, and booster responses in infants immunised with a combination DTPa?HBV?IPV/Hib vaccine

A new single-injection combination vaccine against six diseases has been developed to accommodate the growing number of recommended paediatric vaccines. A pentavalent liquid diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (3-component), hepatitis B, and inactivated polio (types 1-3) combined vaccine (DTPa-HBV-IPV) is extemporaneously mixed with a lyophilized Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) conjugate vaccine (polyribosyl-ribitol phosphate (PRP)-T) and given as a single-injection. A cohort of 368 healthy infants was initially studied to evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of this hexavalent combination given as a primary course at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. At 15 months of age, from this cohort, 219 children received a booster dose of a licensed DTPa/Hib (PRP-T) vaccine to assess the booster response, while 70 received a challenge dose of unconjugated PRP (PRP) vaccine (to evaluate Hib-specific memory) plus a separate DTPa vaccine. Seven to 10 days following plain PRP challenge, anti-PRP geometric mean antibody concentrations (GMCs) had increased 13-fold to 5.67 microg/ml, and thirty days after conjugated PRP booster vaccination, anti-PRP antibody GMCs increased 102-fold. Both responses are indicative of immune memory. Vaccination was well tolerated following all primary and booster doses, although 10.5% of booster recipients experienced >50-mm local swelling at the site of DTPa vaccination. We conclude that DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib is safe and immunogenic for primary vaccination, and that Hib-specific memory is induced by primary vaccination.

Safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a combined hexavalent tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, hepatitis B, inactivated poliovirus vaccine and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine, for primary immunization of infants

Safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of GSK Biologicals' hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine (Infanrix)hexa) was assessed when used for primary vaccination at 3, 4 and 5 months of age (N = 2163), compared to the separate administration of DTPa-IPV/Hib and HBV vaccines (N = 720). A similar safety and reactogenicity profile was demonstrated for both vaccine regimens, as well as a good immune response for all antigen components. By offering protection against six diseases in a series of single injections, the hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine was shown to be a safe, well tolerated and immunogenic alternative to primary immunization with licensed separately administered vaccines.