Receipt of hepatitis E vaccine and fetal loss in rural Bangladesh: further analysis of a double-blind, cluster-randomised, controlled trial.

Background: Vaccination constitutes an attractive control measure for hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality globally. Analysis of pregnant participants in an effectiveness trial of the HEV vaccine HEV239 showed possible HEV239-associated fetal losses. We aimed to conduct a detailed analysis of this safety signal.

Immunogenicity and safety of a two-dose regimen with hepatitis E virus vaccine in healthy adults in rural Bangladesh: A randomized, double-blind, controlled, phase 2/pilot trial.

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide and it contributes to considerable maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in many low-income countries like Bangladesh. A three-dose regimen of a vaccine against HEV (HEV 239) has shown promising results in China. The effects and safety of this vaccine in other populations and with different dosing regimens remains uncertain.

Stability and Feasibility of Dried Blood Spots for Hepatitis E Virus Serology in a Rural Setting.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In many low-income countries it causes large outbreaks and disproportionally affects pregnant women and their offspring. Surveillance studies to find effective preventive interventions are needed but are hampered by the lack of funding and infrastructure.

HEV study protocol : design of a cluster-randomised, blinded trial to assess the safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of the hepatitis E vaccine HEV 239 (Hecolin) in women of childbearing age in rural Bangladesh.

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in the developing world and is a public health problem, in particular among pregnant women, where it may lead to severe or fatal complications. A recombinant HEV vaccine, 239 (Hecolin; Xiamen Innovax Biotech, Xiamen, China), is licensed in China, but WHO calls for further studies to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of this vaccine in vulnerable populations, and to evaluate protection in pregnancy. We are therefore conducting a phase IV trial to assess the effectiveness, safety and immunogenicity of the HEV 239 vaccine when given in women of childbearing age in rural Bangladesh, where HEV infection is endemic.

Selection and Interpretation of Scientific Evidence in Preparation for Policy Decisions: A Case Study Regarding Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine Into National Immunization Programs in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark.

The World Health Organization recommends inclusion of rotavirus vaccines in national immunization programs (NIPs) worldwide. Nordic countries are usually considered comparable in terms of demographics and health-care services and have comparable rotavirus disease burden. Nevertheless, the countries have reached different decisions regarding rotavirus vaccine: Norway and Finland have already introduced rotavirus vaccines into their NIPs and Sweden is currently changing its recommendation and vaccines will now be introduced on a national scale while Denmark has decided against it.

Public health implications of an outbreak of rabies in arctic foxes and reindeer in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway, September 2011.

Between 16 September and 5 October 2011 rabies was diagnosed in two arctic foxes and eight reindeer in the Svalbard archipelago, in Norway. This outbreak occurs at the end of the reindeer hunting season and poses an increased risk to many people that were involved in the hunt. As of 28 September 2011, 280 people had received post-exposure prophylaxis.

Immunization of teenagers with a fifth dose of reduced DTaP-IPV induces high levels of pertussis antibodies with a significant increase in opsonophagocytic activity.

Waning vaccine-induced immunity against Bordetella pertussis is observed among adolescents and adults. A high incidence of pertussis has been reported in this population, which serves as a reservoir for B. pertussis.

Immunogenicity and safety of a combination of two serogroup B meningococcal outer membrane vesicle vaccines.

MenBvac and MeNZB are safe and efficacious vaccines against serogroup B meningococcal disease. MenBvac is prepared from a B:15:P1.7,16 meningococcal strain (strain 44/76), and MeNZB is prepared from a B:4:P1.

[Travel vaccination].

Vaccination gives good and long-lasting protection against a number of infectious diseases, and is nearly always recommended before journeys to countries with high risk of contagious diseases. It is important to both renew childhood vaccines and to inoculate against hepatitis A. Vaccines against yellow fever and meningococcal disease are compulsory before entering certain countries.

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.

[Young children, pregnant women and travelling abroad].

Pregnant women and parents of young children travelling to non-western countries should consider the risks to which they expose themselves and their children. Travelling during these periods of life needs to be particularly well planned. Travel insurance should cover the whole family, and for pregnant women also the risk of premature birth.

[Should school children receive pertussis vaccine?].

Background: A study comparing diphtheria immunity in Norwegian and Russian schoolchildren indicated low immunity against diphtheria in Norwegian children before the booster dose given at age 11 years. The pertussis epidemic in Norway 1997-98 demonstrated decreasing vaccine immunity from age 5-6 years. The possibility of improving immunity against both diseases by a booster dose during early school age is therefore under consideration.

[Vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b--antibody response and adverse effects].

In 1992 it was decided to implement vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in the Norwegian vaccination programme. The chosen vaccine consists of Hib-polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus toxoid. To suit the Norwegian vaccination schedule, Hib-vaccine was given together with vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) at three, five and ten months of age.

[Dystrophy caused by upper airway obstruction].

We describe three infants whose main symptoms were poor weight gain, delayed motor development and recurrent respiratory infections. Obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed, and all three improved after adenotomy or adenotonsillectomy. Obstructive sleep apnea is an important differential diagnosis in infants showing retarded development and failure to thrive.