In recent months much controversy has focused on interpretations of new data concerning the safety and efficacy of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines.1-3 These controversies led the Infectious Disease Committee (Redbook Committee) of the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on Nov 13, 1987, to issue by telegram a change in recommendations for the H influenzae type b polysac-charide vaccine. Then, on Dec 22, 1987, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed a new, more immunogenic, H influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (Prohibit-Connaught). The aim of this commentary is (1) to provide some background to these events, (2) to elucidate some of the difficulties involved in evaluating vaccines after licensure, (3) to present an alternative interpretation of available data regarding the polysaccharide vaccine, and (4) to comment on the new H influenza type b conjugate vaccine.

Topics:
haemophilus b conjugate vaccines
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Copyright © 1988 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
1988
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