Camacho–Lovillo MS, et al. – The immunogenicity and safety of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine including A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B strains were examined in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) receiving biological therapy. Outcomes of this study approved that influenza vaccination was safe and immunogenic in children with JIA receiving biological therapy.

Methods

• This study enrolled 35 children diagnosed with JIA and 6 healthy siblings.
• Serum samples were collected prior to, 4–8 weeks and one year after vaccination.
• To evaluate neutralizing antibody titers, microneutralization assays were used.
• The type and duration of therapy were analyzed to determine its effect on vaccine response.
• Clinical data of the participants were collected throughout the study including severe adverse events (SAE) and adverse events following immunization (AEFI).

Results

• 25 patients (74.3%) received biological treatment for JIA.
• Anti TNF–α was prescribed in 15, anti IL–1 receptor in 4 and anti IL–6 receptor therapy in 6 children.
• The seroprotection rate 4–8 weeks after vaccination in the JIA group was 96% for influenza A/(H1N1)pdm and influenza A/H3N2, and 88% for influenza B.
• No differences were found in GMT, seroprotection and seroconversion rates for the three influenza strains between the control group and patients receiving biological therapy.
• In patients receiving either biological or non–biological treatments, long–term seroprotection at 12 months after vaccination was similar.
• No SAEs were observed.