Immunogenicity of a Monovalent 2009 Influenza A ( H 1 N 1 ) Vaccine in Infants and Children

THE DISEASE BURDEN OF SEAsonal influenza in the pediatric population is generally attributed to a combination of immunologic naivety, prolonged virus shedding, and enhanced transmission opportunity in child-care and educational institutions. Consistent with this experience, initial reports of the introduction and indigenous transmission of 2009 influenza A(H1N1) infection in many countries have largely involved children, often attending day or boarding schools. Serosurveys have demonstrated little or no cross-reactivity of the pediatric sera sample to the new virus strain, underContext In the ongoing influenza pandemic, a safe and effective vaccine against 2009 influenza A(H1N1) is needed for infants and children.