Antibody persistence of two pentavalent DTwP-HB-Hib vaccines to the age of 15-18 months, and response to the booster dose of quadrivalent DTwP-Hib vaccine

Abstract

Objectives: Antibody persistence in children following three doses of primary vaccination with diphtheria, tetanus, whole-cell-pertussis (DTwP), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines (SIIL Pentavac vaccine vs. Easyfive(®) of Panacea Biotec), and response to the booster dose of DTwP-Hib (Quadrovax(®)) vaccine.

Methods: Children who completed their primary immunization were assessed for antibodies at 15-18 months of age, and then given a booster dose of DTwP-Hib vaccine. Reactogenicity and safety of the booster dose was evaluated.

Results: Both pentavalent vaccines demonstrated a good immune response at 15-18 months. Following the booster dose, all vaccinated subjects achieved protective titers against diphtheria, tetanus and Hib, whereas the response to pertussis antigen was ~78%. Fever and irritability was noted in 24%, local pain in 51%, and swelling in 36% of the children following booster dose.

Conclusions: Primary immunization with either pentavalent vaccine induced an excellent immunity lasting till the second year of life. A booster dose with DTwP-Hib (Quadrovax(®)) vaccine effectuated a good anamnestic response to all vaccine components, being specially strong for Hib in children previously vaccinated with SIIL liquid pentavalent vaccine (Pentavac(®)). Also, the safety profile of SIIL quadrivalent vaccine (Quadrovax(®)) administered as booster dose was acceptable.