Effectiveness of a Pandemic Influenza Vaccine
Author Information
Author(s): Anneke Steens, Eleonora G Wijnans, Jeanne P Dieleman, Miriam C J M Sturkenboom, Marianne A B van der Sande, Wim van der Hoek
Primary Institution: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
What is the effectiveness of the MF-59™ adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine in preventing hospitalizations due to 2009 A/H1N1 influenza?
Conclusion
The MF-59™ adjuvanted vaccine had a limited impact on preventing 2009 influenza A/H1N1-related hospitalizations.
Supporting Evidence
- 149 cases and 28,238 matched controls were included in the study.
- The estimated vaccine effectiveness was 19% with a confidence interval of -28 to 49.
- After restricting to cases with severe underlying conditions, the vaccine effectiveness was estimated at 49%.
Takeaway
The vaccine didn't work very well at stopping people from getting really sick from the flu, so we might need a better one.
Methodology
Matched case-control study using data from hospitalizations and a general practitioner network.
Potential Biases
Self-reported vaccination status in cases may lead to recall bias.
Limitations
Missing vaccination dates in hospitalized cases and potential confounding by severity of underlying conditions.
Participant Demographics
Median age of cases was 48 years, with 44% male; all had underlying medical conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
95%CI: -28-49
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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