Introduction: Hepatitis A, caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), is primarily transmitted via the fecal/oral route either through ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person. Prevalence of hepatitis A is strongly correlated with socioeconomic factors, decreasing with increased socioeconomic development, access to clean water and sanitation. Vaccination against HAV should be part of a comprehensive plan for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, either as part of regular childhood immunization programs or with other recommended vaccines for travelers. Areas covered: We present here evidence for the immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated HAV pediatric vaccine (Avaxim® 80U Pediatric, Sanofi Pasteur), indicated for use in children aged 12 months to 15 years. Data evaluated are from trials undertaken during the clinical development of this vaccine, a systematic literature review and post-market pharmacovigilance. Expert opinion: The pediatric HAV vaccine is highly immunogenic and generates long-lasting protection against hepatitis A disease in children. The safety and immunogenicity data presented in this review suggest that the pediatric HAV vaccine is a valuable option in the prevention of HAV infection in children in many areas of the world where the disease remains a healthcare issue.

Repeat administration of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines has rarely been associated with Arthus phenomenon, an immune-complex reaction. In the US, since 2013, tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccines (Tdap) have been recommended for administration during each pregnancy. Separately, in 2019, one Tdap was approved for repeat administration in adults in the US. We aimed to describe trends in spontaneously reported Arthus reactions following Tdap in the US and to assess the risk of this phenomenon in persons receiving Tdap repeatedly. We reviewed Arthus reports in the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS), 1990–2018. Reporting rates were estimated using Tdap doses distributed data. A systematic literature review was conducted in MEDLINE for any Arthus cases reported in Tdap clinical trials and observational studies published between 2000 and 2019. We found 192 Arthus reports in VAERS after any vaccine, of which 36 occurred after Tdap and none were reported during pregnancy. The Arthus reporting rate was estimated at 0.1 per million doses distributed. We identified eight published studies of Tdap administration within five years after a previous dose of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine; no Arthus cases were reported. We conclude that Arthus reaction following Tdap is extremely rare. Increasing frequency of repeat Tdap administration in adults in the US did not result in a detectable increase in reporting rates of this phenomenon, confirming the favorable safety profile of Tdap.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract