Standard Dose Versus High-Dose Inactivated Flu Vaccine in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Patients

Randomized, Double Blind, Comparison of Standard Dose Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Patients

This is a phase I trial in which the both the safety and immunogenicity of the standard dose flu vaccine will be compared with high dose flu vaccine in children that have undergone solid organ transplantation (SOT).

A prospective, randomized, double-blind phase 1 safety and immunogenicity study of the HD compared with the SD TIV in pediatric patients between the ages of three and 17 yr that have undergone SOT (Clin-Trials.gov. NCT01525004) was conducted. Subjects were randomized in a 2:1 fashion to receive 0.5 mL of either the HD (60 μg) or SD (15 μg) TIV intramuscularly. Subjects <9 yr of age received either one or two doses of the vaccine based on ACIP recommendations [19]. The study was approved by Institutional Review Boards at both institutions (Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, and the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA) and conducted during the 2011-2012 influenza season. Subjects were randomly allocated to either the HD or SD group by a computer-generated allocation system. Participants, their families, and research staff who performed clinical evaluations remained blinded to the child's assigned dosage, while designated unblinded nurses administered the requisite vaccine.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pediatric SOT patients (kidney, liver, heart, lungs, intestine, and/or multi-visceral)
• Must be at least 6 months after transplant.
• 3-17 years of age, inclusive.
• Available for duration of study.
• Parent or guardian able to be reached by phone.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of hypersensitivity to previous influenza vaccination or severe hypersensitivity to eggs/egg protein.
• History of Guillian-Barre syndrome.
• Receipt of rituximab within the past one year.
• Rejection treatment with intravenous steroid bolus within 30 days.
• Rejection treatment with monoclonal antibody or antilymphocyte preparation (e.g. Alemtuzumab, Muromonab-CD3, etc.) within 90 days.
• Have any condition that would, in the opinion of the site investigator, place them at an unacceptable risk of injury or render them unable to meet the requirements of the protocol.
• Have any condition that the investigator believes may interfere with successful completion of the study.
• History of received 2011-2012 influenza vaccine.
• Pregnant female.
• History of proven influenza disease after September 1, 2011.
• History of known infection with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.
• History of known latex hypersensitivity.