Researchers Say One Dose Of H1N1 Vaccine May Be Enough For Kids
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Miami, FL, United States (AHN) - Despite previous recommendations, Australian researchers say one dose of H1N1 vaccine may be enough protection for infants and children.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices currently recommends that infants and children 9-years-old and younger receive two doses of H1N1 vaccine at least 21 days apart. The regimen was chosen based on the current recommended course for seasonal flu.
But Terry Nolan, a researcher with the University of Melbourne, Australia, said he and his colleagues conducted a randomized study involving 370 healthy infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 9 years. The children received two injections of H1N1 vaccine 21 days apart. One group was given a 15-micrograms injection and the other a 30-microgram injection.
Nolan said in a statement that a single 15-microgram dose may be effective and well-tolerated in children.
The study is published in the online edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association