Interchangeability of conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines during primary immunisation of infants

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Abstract
The introduction of conjugate Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines into the primary infant immunisation schedule in October 1992 has resulted in a dramatic decline in the incidence of infection with invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b in Britain.1 Two different formulations of the conjugate vaccines are licensed in the United Kingdom for administration at 2, 3, and 4 months of age. Because of the lack of data about the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccines when the conjugates are interchanged during primary immunisation, the Department of Health advises against this2 and purchases one formulation for routine use. Reliance on a single supplier for a national immunisation programme is unsatisfactory, and, in the absence of contraindications, the ability to interchange vaccines of different conjugates is highly desirable. We report the effect on immunogenicity and reactogenicity of interchanging the two different Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines during …