Randomized trial using ultrasound to assess intramuscular vaccination at a 60° or 90° needle angle.

Objective: Globally, recommendations differ on the ideal angle of needle insertion to ensure vaccinate deposition in muscle for optimal safety and immunogenicity. This study aimed to compare the level of vaccinate deposition during vaccination, using two different needle angles (60° and 90°), in young children, adolescents and adults.

Methods: In this randomized cross-over study, two doses of a licensed hepatitis vaccine, were administered to study participants, at a 60° or 90° angle using a fixed template.

Direct and indirect impact on rotavirus positive and all-cause gastroenteritis hospitalisations in South Australian children following the introduction of rotavirus vaccination.

Rotavirus vaccine for infants was introduced into the National Immunisation Program in Australia in July 2007. To determine the impact of rotavirus vaccination on gastroenteritis hospitalisations amongst children less than six years of age in South Australia, we conducted a retrospective analysis of hospital admissions over two time periods: 1 May 2005-30 April 2007 (prior to rotavirus vaccination introduction) and 1 May 2008-30 April 2010 (post rotavirus vaccination introduction). The introduction of rotavirus vaccination has been associated with a marked reduction in hospital admissions for serious rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) and all-cause gastroenteritis (ACGE).

Ultrasound examination of extensive limb swelling reactions after diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis or reduced-antigen content diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis immunization in preschool-aged children.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the site, extent, and resolution of tissue involvement when extensive limb swelling occurred in the injected limb for children who received diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis or reduced-antigen content diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine at 4 to 6 years of age.

Methods: Children who had experienced an injection site reaction at 18 months of age were assigned randomly to receive an intramuscular injection of either reduced-antigen content diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine or diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine between 4 and 6 years of age. Children who developed extensive limb swelling were recruited for assessment by clinical examination; ultrasound studies of the affected and opposite (control) arms were performed 24 to 48 hours after immunization and 48 to 96 hours later.