[Comparison of immunogenicity and safety of Engerix B and Twinrix vaccine]. / Porównanie odpowiedzi immunologicznej oraz bezpieczenstwa stosowania szczepionek Engerix B i Twinrix w profilaktyce wirusowego zapalenia watroby typu B.

The objective of the study was to compare the immunogenicity and the safety profile of Engerix B and Twinrix vaccines. 72 people were qualified for the vaccination, including 41 women (average age 41.2) and 31 men (average age 44.8). The subjects were divided into two groups: Group I--vaccinated with Engerix B (37 persons) and Group II--vaccinated with Twinrix (35 persons). The vaccines were prepared and administered according to the recommended vaccination scheme: 0-1-6 months. 30 days after the last vaccine dose, qualitative and quantitative tests were performed for antibodies anti-HBs (Group I and II) and anti-HAV (Group II). Also, the occurrence of local and general adverse events after vaccinations was observed--on the vaccination day and during 3 consecutive days. In Group I, presence of anti-HBs antibodies was observed in 35 persons, not observed in 2 persons, while in Group II, anti-HBs antibodies were found in 34 persons, while in 1 person no such antibodies were stated. Anti-HAV antibodies were observed in 33 persons from Group II. The anti-HBs antibodies titres did not show significant statistical differences in the groups studied, except for the range 500-1000 IU/l (3 persons in Group I, lack in Group II) and 1000-5000 IU/l (2 persons in Group I, lack in Group II). Local side effects (redness, pain at the injection site, swelling) and general adverse events (fatigue, headache, temperature > 37.5 degrees C) were rare and disappeared within the 4-day observation period. The results achieved are a good recommendation for the vaccines studied, suggesting that vaccination with them are a safe and efficient form of prophylaxis against viral hepatitis.

[Economic prerequisites of active influenza prevention]. / Ekonomiczne przeslanki stosowania czynnej profilaktyki grypy.

Influenza and other acute infections of the upper respiratory tract are characterized by a high morbidity and mortality. As a result, they entail not only human but also economic consequences. A typical treatment is nonspecific and conservative. It consists of treatment with nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs, antitussive drugs, hydratation, etc. Influenza is very often associated with complications especially in high risk groups (children, the elderly, chronically-ill people). The cost of treatment increases because of raising costs of pharmacotherapy and the increased absence from work. Vaccination is a safe and morbidity-diminishing method.

[Early adverse reactions after vaccination against influenza in chronically ill people]. / Wczesne objawy niepozadane obserwowane po szczepieniu przeciwgrypowym zastosowanym u przewlekle chorych.

The objective was to assess the early adverse reactions after vaccination against influenza with the use of Fluarix vaccine (SmithKline Beecham) in chronically ill people. 1010 people were selected to undergo vaccination. The group included 621 women aged on average 44.2 years and 389 men aged on average 48.2. The vaccination was conducted simultaneously and the period of adverse reactions monitoring lasted 14 days. The vaccination was performed in accordance with recommendations of manufacturer. All the vaccinated people suffered from circulatory system disorders, bone system disorders, mental disorders and endocrinological problems. They were in the period of remission during the vaccination. The observed symptoms were classified into two categories: local and general. The local symptoms included swelling, reddening and pain in the vaccinated area. 67 people (6.6%) reported swelling, 85 (8.4%) reported reddening, 12 people (1.2%) reported pain in the vaccinated area. The general symptoms included headache, bad mood and temperature over 37.5 degrees C. 19 people (1.9%) reported bad mood, 10 people (1%)--headache and 8 people (0.8%) reported temperature over 37.5 degrees C. Coexistence of two or three types of symptoms was present in 15 cases (1.5%). The low percentage of early adverse reactions encourages a wider use of vaccines against influenza in chronically ill people.