VAQTA for pediatric patients
100% efficacy with 9 years of sustained efficacy demonstrated in the landmark Monroe Study1,2
The Monroe Study and 9-year follow-up:
An initial randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of VAQTA in a community with recurrent outbreaks. In this study, 1037 children, 2 to 16 years of age, were enrolled. Each child received an intramuscular dose of VAQTA (25 U) (n=519) or placebo (n=518). Efficacy was based on clinically confirmed cases of hepatitis A occurring ≥ 50 days after vaccination.1
After 5 months, the initial study was terminated so that the vaccine could be provided to the subjects in the placebo group. A second (booster) dose was administered at 6, 12, or 18 months after the first dose of VAQTA. All vaccinees were closely monitored for clinically confirmed cases of hepatitis A from 1991 to January 2001.1,2
Vaccination with VAQTA may not result in a protective response in all susceptible vaccinees.
The total duration of the protective effect of VAQTA in healthy vaccinees is unknown at present.
References
- Werzberger A, Mensch B, Kuter B, et al. A controlled trial of a formalin-inactivated hepatitis A vaccine in healthy children. N Engl J Med. 1992;327(7):453–457.
- Werzberger A, Mensch B, Nalin DR, et al. Effectiveness of hepatitis A vaccine in a former frequently affected community: 9 years’ followup after the Monroe field trial of VAQTA. Vaccine. 2002;20(13–14):1699–1701.