ABSTRACT
The frequency and description of side effects secondary to the subcutaneous application of SPf66 malaria vaccine and placebo are reported for each dose of application in the participants of the vaccine efficacy trial in Brazil. Side effects evaluated two hours after each application were detected in 8.0 per cent, 30.2 per cent and 8.8 per cent, for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd dose, respectively, in the SPf66 group, and in 7.0 per cent, 8.5 per cent and 2.9 per cent in the placebo group. Local reactions such as mild inflammation, nodule and pain or erythema frequently accompanied by pruritus were the most common reactions detected in both groups (3.8 per cent, 29.1 per cent and 8.5 per cent in the SPf66 group and 4.0 per cent, 7.6 per cent and 2.5 per cent in the placebo group). Among vaccinees, local side effects after the 2nd dose were more frequent in females. Systemic side effects were expressed mainly through general symptoms referred by the participants and were most frequent after the 1st dose in both groups (4.3 per cent in the SPf66 group and 3.0 per cent in the placebo group). Muscle aches and fever were referred by few participants. No severe adverse reactions were detected for either dose of application or group.