Effect of needle size on immunogenicity and reactogenicity of vaccines in infants: randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess the immunogenicity of vaccines for infants and to investigate whether the incidence of reactogenicity is reduced after each immunisation dose using needles of varying lengths and gauges.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

18 general practices within two UK primary care trusts.

Participants

696 healthy infants vaccinated at 2, 3, and 4 months of age, with follow-up to 5 months of age.

Interventions

Combined diphtheria, tetanus, whole cell pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine and a serogroup C meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccine administered using either a wide, long needle (23 gauge/0.6 mm diameter, 25 mm), a narrow, short needle (25 gauge/0.5 mm diameter, 16 mm), or a narrow, long needle (25 gauge, 25 mm).

SUBMITTER: Diggle L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1570021 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature