Influenza Vaccination in Immunocompromized Patients

Double Blind Randomized Comparison of a Subunit- and a Virosomal Influenza Vaccine in Immunocom-Promized Patients

Evaluation of the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of two different formulations of commercially avail-able influenza vaccines in 4 different groups of immunocompromized outpatients (HIV positive patients, patients suffering from rheumatologic diseases and receiving treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and patients undergoing hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis). The aim of the study was to investigate if the newest formulation of influenza vaccines (virosomal vaccines) offer a benefit in immunocompromized patients in comparison to an older subunit formulation.

The infection with influenza is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in risk groups including immunocompromized patients. The virosomal influenza vaccines have been associated with improved immunogenicity in former trials. No direct comparison with older formulations has been conducted so far.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult outpatients treated at the Inselspital Bern for:
• HIV infection
• rheumatologic diseases and receiving immunosuppressive drugs
• kidney transplant recipients
• undergoing hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
• written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to egg proteins
• Former adverse reactions to prior vaccination
• Febrile conditions at the time of study inclusion