Success of Hepatitis A Vaccine. (Reannouncement with New AvailabilityInformation)

摘要

The report by Lee et al., published in this issue of GASTROENTEROLOGY, gives usnecessary information to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the of the SmithKline Beecham hepatitis A vaccine in children. Although the efficacy trials cited above were performed in children, logistical problems did not allow the vigorous clinical and serological monitoring that smaller safety trials permit. The work by lee et al not only fills this information gap but also contributes important facts comparing antibody levels in children who received serum immunoglobulin (IG) as passive protection against HAV infection. We learn from reading this report that children aged 4-15 years 'behave immunologically' like adults. Moreover, there are no differences in immune response between boys and girls. Minor reactions occurred; however, none merits discussion.