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... Vaccine constituents are a specific concern that some health consumers have regarding vaccines and a factor in one's intention to vaccinate[72][73][74]. The term ingredients (associated with vaccine) and reaction are shown to be linked in the health consumer model (Fig. 3a). ...
... 3b(the health professional model), mercury and preservative are associated, and this link is expressed with a connection to delay (and linked to an drew wakefield). The aluminum component in vaccines is also of concern to consumers[72,73], and in the PFNET consumer conceptualization (Fig. 3a), it is associated with toxins (connected to immunization and injury). These links suggest an alarmist view of aluminum ingredients. ...
... In contrast, the health professional model has aluminum linked with ingredients and formaldehyde. Aluminum is a component of various vaccines, such as for hepatitis A and B, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), to improve immune response[73,72], which explains its link with ingredients. One of the controversial points that Dr. Sears advances as justification for vaccine de ...
This study demonstrates the use of distributed vector representations and Pathfinder Network Scaling (PFNETS) to represent online vaccine content created by health experts and by laypeople. By analyzing a target audience's conceptualization of a topic, domain experts can develop targeted interventions to improve the basic health knowledge of consumers. The underlying assumption is that the content created by different groups reflects the mental organization of their knowledge. Applying automated text analysis to this content may elucidate differences between the knowledge structures of laypeople (heath consumers) and professionals (health experts). This paper utilizes vaccine information generated by laypeople and health experts to investigate the utility of this approach. We used an established technique from cognitive psychology, Pathfinder Network Scaling to infer the structure of the associational networks between concepts learned from online content using methods of distributional semantics. In doing so, we extend the original application of PFNETS to infer knowledge structures from individual participants, to infer the prevailing knowledge structures within communities of content authors. The resulting graphs reveal opportunities for public health and vaccination education experts to improve communication and intervention efforts directed towards health consumers. Our efforts demonstrate the feasibility of using an automated procedure to examine the manifestation of conceptual models within large bodies of free text, revealing evidence of conflicting understanding of vaccine concepts among health consumers as compared with health experts. Additionally, this study provides insight into the differences between consumer and expert abstraction of domain knowledge, revealing vaccine-related knowledge gaps that suggest opportunities to improve provider-patient communication.
... In this paper, we will show that Al is harmful to the CNS, acting in a number of deleterious ways and across multiple levels, to induce biosemiotic entropy [17]. A countervailing view exists181920, but the assertions of safety are invariably based on weak epidemiological designs, ones that overwhelm significant negative signals with irrelevant noise factors. Such studies that fail to detect significant negative outcomes neither stand up to rigorous scrutiny nor outweigh better designed research, in a vast and growing literature, showing significant negative impacts sustaining the central hypothesis of this paper. ...
... Crystal ionic radius source: [92]. Magnetic susceptibilities source: [ represent a health hazard [19]. For that reason, vaccine trials often treat an Al adjuvant-containing injection as a harmless " placebo " (a comparison benchmark or control treatment) or they use another Al-containing vaccine to treat a " control group, " despite evidence that Al in vaccine-relevant exposures is universally toxic to humans and animals [9, 90, 91]. ...
... pH- Dependent. Conventional beliefs about Al safety [19] are rooted in the knowledge that, in the absence of citrate, insoluble Al compounds are poorly absorbed even if ingested [91]. However, the fact that Al hydroxide and phosphate solutions remain nearly saturated at neutral pH and standard temperature in pure water suggests that their poor solubility does not make them benign in living systems. ...
Over the last 200 years, mining, smelting, and refining of aluminum (Al) in various forms have increasingly exposed living species to this naturally abundant metal. Because of its prevalence in the earth's crust, prior to its recent uses it was regarded as inert and therefore harmless. However, Al is invariably toxic to living systems and has no known beneficial role in any biological systems. Humans are increasingly exposed to Al from food, water, medicinals, vaccines, and cosmetics, as well as from industrial occupational exposure. Al disrupts biological self-ordering, energy transduction, and signaling systems, thus increasing biosemiotic entropy. Beginning with the biophysics of water, disruption progresses through the macromolecules that are crucial to living processes (DNAs, RNAs, proteoglycans, and proteins). It injures cells, circuits, and subsystems and can cause catastrophic failures ending in death. Al forms toxic complexes with other elements, such as fluorine, and interacts negatively with mercury, lead, and glyphosate. Al negatively impacts the central nervous system in all species that have been studied, including humans. Because of the global impacts of Al on water dynamics and biosemiotic systems, CNS disorders in humans are sensitive indicators of the Al toxicants to which we are being exposed.
... La alergia al huevo ocurre en aproximadamente el 0,5 % de la población y en cerca del 5% de los niños atópicos. 6 Cuando analizamos las respuestas de nuestra encuesta encontramos que el 95% de los pediatras reconoce que hay vacunas que contienen proteínas de huevo. El 62,3% la reconoce como componente en la vacuna triple viral, mientras que para las otras dos Está indicada la vacunación o la eval uación de acuerdo a la severidad de la reacción. ...
... Poco frecuente (20-50%) d. Infrecuente (menos del 20%)6. ¿Con qué frecuencia las siguientes vacunas se relacionan con reacciones alérgicas? ...
Background: Allergic reactions to infectious disease vaccines have generated concern among pediatricians. It is unknown the level of pediatrician's knowledge about this issue. The aim of this study is to obtain statistical data about this issue in our country. Population: 320 pediatricians. Methods: A transversal prospective descriptive multicenter study by means of a survey. Results: 12.5% of participants were capable to identify symptoms of immediate hypersensitivity reactions and 61.6% considered that these reactions are not frequent. The pediatricians pointed out as the most commonly allergen components the following ones: Neomicine (72.6%), thyme-rosal (51.6 %), preservatives (73%), gelatin (30.4%) and active component (nearly 50%). 62.3% knew that eggs proteins are part of MMR vaccine. In the case of patient with history of egg allergy, 35% answered that they always contraindicate vaccination with egg protein vaccines while14% do not contraindicate and 9% do not know what to do. Physicians less than 5 years of graduation recognized more frequently the presence of allergic reactions (p: 0.004). Physicians with 10 or more years of graduation asked for specialist opinion more frequently in the case of patients with egg allergy (p: 0.01). Conclusions: It was found an important lack of information about allergic vaccine reactions, the involved vaccine constituents and the correct management of situations related to egg allergy.
... Hydrolyzed refers here to the process of breaking down collagen molecules into chains of amino acids (polypeptides) by acidic or alkaline treatment, followed by purification [187,201,202]. Gelatin hydrolysates are added to some vaccine formulations to help stabilize and preserve active ingredients during freeze-drying and storage; hydrolyzed gelatin may also act as a solvent [187,203,204]. The enzyme trypsin may be used in producing some viral vaccines, to resuspend cells adhering to the cell-culture dish wall during the process of harvesting cells [187,203,205]. ...
... Gelatin hydrolysates are added to some vaccine formulations to help stabilize and preserve active ingredients during freeze-drying and storage; hydrolyzed gelatin may also act as a solvent [187,203,204]. The enzyme trypsin may be used in producing some viral vaccines, to resuspend cells adhering to the cell-culture dish wall during the process of harvesting cells [187,203,205]. Trypsin typically is removed from the product physically before further processing. ...
For millennia, humans have sought and found purpose, solace, values, understanding, and fellowship in religious practices. Buddhist nuns performed variolation against smallpox over 1000 years ago. Since Jenner developed vaccination against smallpox in 1796, some people have objected to and declined vaccination, citing various religious reasons. This paper reviews the scriptural, canonical basis for such interpretations, as well as passages that support immunization. Populous faith traditions are considered, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Subjects of concern such as blood components, pharmaceutical excipients of porcine or bovine origin, rubella strain RA 27/3, and cell-culture media with remote fetal origins are evaluated against the religious concerns identified.
... The current manufacturing process of hydrolyzed porcine gelatin yields preparations which consist of a mixture of protein fragments of different sizes [3]. Hydrolysis converts high molecular weight gelatin (>100,000 Da) to low molecular weight gelatin (between 2000 and 5000 Da) [4]. Low molecular weight gelatin is less likely to stimulate gelatin-specific IgE than high molecular weight gelatin in vaccinated subjects [5]. ...
... Low molecular weight gelatin is less likely to stimulate gelatin-specific IgE than high molecular weight gelatin in vaccinated subjects [5]. Currently, the incidence of anaphylactic reactions to the hydrolyzed porcine gelatin is very low (approximately 1 case per 2 million doses) [4]. In contrast, use of nonhydrolyzed gelatin in vaccine formulations by Japanese vaccine makers in the past led to higher incidence of gelatin-specific immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions in vaccinated subjects in Japan [6][7][8][9][10]. ...
The labile nature of live, attenuated varicella-zoster virus (Oka/Merck) requires robust stabilization during virus bulk preparation and vaccine manufacturing in order to preserve potency through storage and administration. One stabilizing ingredient used in a varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine is hydrolyzed porcine gelatin which represents the major protein/peptide-based excipient in the vaccine formulation.
In this comparative study, a recombinant human gelatin fragment (8.5 kD) was assessed as a potential replacement for hydrolyzed porcine gelatin in an experimental live, attenuated VZV (Oka/Merck) vaccine. VZV (Oka/Merck) was harvested in two formulations prepared with either a hydrolyzed porcine gelatin or a recombinant human gelatin. Moreover, the viral stability in the experimental VZV (Oka/Merck) vaccines was evaluated under accelerated and real-time conditions in a comparative study.
The stabilizing effect of recombinant human gelatin on VZV (Oka/Merck) potency change during vaccine lyophilization was similar to the experimental vaccine containing porcine-derived gelatin. Vaccine viral potency changes were comparable in stabilized VZV (Oka/Merck) formulations containing either hydrolyzed porcine gelatin or recombinant human gelatin. No statistically significant difference in potency stability was observed between the vaccine formulations stored at any of the temperatures tested.
The recombinant human gelatin demonstrated similar ability to stabilize the live attenuated VZV (Oka/Merck) in an experimental, refrigerator-stable varicella vaccine when compared to the vaccine preparation formulated with hydrolyzed porcine gelatin used in currently marketed varicella vaccine.
... In vaccines, aluminium salts are used as adjuvants to enhance the immune response [82]. The most frequent clinical manifestation of a reaction to aluminium in vaccines is the development of painful and pruritic nodules at the site of injection [83]. ...
... Von einigen Autoren wird sogar postuliert, dass "einige Impfungen mit höherer Wahrscheinlichkeit eine Autoimmunerkrankung verhindern oder modifizieren, als dass sie diese verursachen oder verschlimmern" (Offit and Jew 2003) [76]. Weiter konnte gezeigt werden, dass von den Zusatzstoffen der Impfungen kein generelles Risiko besteht, bis auf die seltene Auslösung einer allergischen Reaktion auf Gelatine und Eiweißproteine [96]. ...
Patienten mit JIA erhielten weniger Lebendimpfungen als gesunde Kontrollpersonen, für Totimpfstoffe waren die Immunisierungsraten vergleichbar. Ebenso zeigten die Antikörper Konzentrationen zwischen den JIA Patienten und den gesunden Kontrollpersonen keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Bei Untersuchungen innerhalb der JIA Patienten Gruppe zeigte lediglich der Abstand zwischen der letzten Auffrischungsimpfung und der Blutentnahme signifikante Ergebnisse.
... 15 Past research has shown that parental beliefs concerning the human immune system are robust correlates of modifying vaccine schedules or refusing pediatric vaccinations, 2,8 including that "natural is best," or that too many vaccinations, or vaccinations in close temporal proximity, will "overwhelm" the child's immune system and cause them harm. 16 These immune beliefs are not supported by current scientific evidence [17][18][19] but they provide parents with a science-like rationale with which to explain why vaccines pose health risks to young children. ...
Objectives
Parental pediatric vaccine decisions are influenced by parents’ health provider networks. Complementary and alternative medical providers may be key influences in the networks of those parents who do not vaccinate their children.
Methods
From March to July 2013, we conducted semi-structured interviews of Oregon complementary and alternative medical providers (N = 36) in five disciplines likely to treat parents or children, or both, and whose practitioners are known to express opinions about vaccines and vaccination. We interviewed them concerning their immunology beliefs, vaccine positions, and what these providers recommend to their patients concerning vaccines. We conducted face-to-face interviews and analyzed the interview data using thematic analysis methodology.
Results
This article identifies the range and type of immunological beliefs of complementary and alternative medical providers concerning pediatric vaccine recommendations. From repeated readings of the data, we identified three areas of alternative immunological beliefs among complementary and alternative medical providers (i.e. “natural is best,” “innate intelligence,” and “the fragile immune system”). In addition, complementary and alternative medical providers who embraced mainstream medicine were likely to be vaccine accepters and to mention vaccines as a positive health measure to their patients—these themes were “vaccines prevent illness” and “herd immunity.”
Conclusion
Complementary and alternative medical providers influence their patients’ vaccination decisions, particularly urging caution or complete vaccine avoidance, and may be a major influence in states like Oregon with high non-medical exemption rates. Complementary and alternative medical providers come to their anti-vaccine positions largely through post-graduation continuing education courses and seminars. In Oregon, such courses are unregulated and not vetted.
... The younger age carries greater probability for toxic effects. Although it is commonly assumed that children obtain much more Al from diet than from vaccination [8], this notion contradicts basic toxicological principles. The route of exposure that bypasses the protective barriers of the gastrointestinal tract and/or the skin will likely require a lower dose to produce a toxic outcome [2]. ...
... Thimerosal is an organic, ethyl mercurycontaining compound with broad antimicrobial activity that has been used since the 1930s as a vaccine preservative (Offit and Jew, 2003), metabolism of Thimerosal has been reported produced ethylmercry and thiosalicylate, in general thirmerosal contain 49.6% mercury by weight 0.1 μg/kg -0.47 μg/kg body weight/day has been approved to be the maximum safe exposure limit of methyl mercury by WHO and other US regulatory agencies EPA and FDA, Chatterjee MD in a review said that it is worth of noting most of the guidelines and studies on the toxicity of mercury both epidemiological and laboratory were based on methyl mercury not ethylmercury which thermerosal metabolised to and argue that the two are different individual compound, while Stephanie and Deborah reported that even though the amount of literatures on metabolism of thimerosal and ethylmercury poisonous effects is limited, some toxicologist have assumed that the toxicity of ethylmercury is the same as that of methylmercury which was found to be extremely toxic (Coulter and Fisher, 1999)exposure to mercury and mercury containing compound have found to associated with degenerative nerve cell (Clements et al., 1995), adverse behavioural changes (Buchholz, et al., 1999)and brain developmental impairment (Clements et al., 1995). Degenerative chronic condition such as Alzheimer's disease has also been associated with the mercury toxicity, to worsen the situation it has been reported else were that foetal developing nervous system is more sensitive to mercury toxic effect, it has been known to cause mental retardation and cerebral palsy (Johnson, et al., 1997), a lots of debate was going in US over the role played by thimerosal (mercury containing compound) in childhood vaccine and whether thimerosal has played role in the increasing incidence of autism seen in US, Analysis from vaccine safety data link VAERS found tremendous association between thimerosal preserved vaccine and neuro-developmental disorders (Takayama, et al., 1997) infant body with juvenile premature immune system and been injected with vaccine doses containing ethylmercury from thimerosal cannot get rid properly of these toxic compound as adult did when they consumed toxic containing food like fish which have mercury. ...
... La recherche démontre en effet que des réponses vagues ne favorisent pas l'établissement de la confiance. Une excellente série d'articles est offerte dans Pédiatriques (30,31,32,33). Les prestataires de services devraient s'efforcer de ne pas trop « vendre » l'immunisation, de souligner les attentes et la gestion des inconvénients les plus courants, y compris les réactions au lieu de l'injection et la fièvre chez les nourrissons et les jeunes enfants, d'aborder la crainte des parents relativement à la douleur associée aux vaccins injectables et d'offrir des moyens de la réduire (13). ...
... Published evidence suggests that vaccination rates in preterm neonates are lower than in full-term newborns. The proportion of premature infants that have been vaccinated during the first 6 months of life may be up to 3-15% lower than the analogous percentage of children born at term [7][8][9]. Moreover, evidence from clinical studies suggests that synthesis and persistence of post-vaccination antibodies are to a large extent modulated by gestational age at birth. ...
Background
A program of immunization that ensures optimal development of acquired immunity should be carried out in all healthy newborns. The aim of the present study was to verify, at 2.5–3 years after the last dose of basic vaccination, if preschool children who have been delivered preterm and at term differ in their levels of post-vaccination protective antibodies.
Material/Methods
Humoral response was assessed in 352 children (mean age: 5.22±0.34 years) who received a series of obligatory vaccinations in the period from birth to 2.5–3 years of age. Antibodies (in IgG class) against vaccine antigens – diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), pertussis (P), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), poliomyelitis (IPV), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) – were measured using ELISA. The level of antibodies against hepatitis B (HBV) was assessed by chemiluminescence.
Results
All children had been immunized according to the Polish National Vaccination Program. The group of 352 children eligible for the study included 46 (13.1%) preschoolers delivered preterm (32–36 weeks of gestation), and 306 (86.9%) born at term (37–42 weeks of gestation). All children maintained seroprotective antibody levels against polioviruses type 1, 2, and 3 (>12 mIU/mL), and against measles antigens (>300 U/mL). No statistically significant differences were found in the proportions of preschoolers born preterm and at term who were seroprotected against other vaccine antigens.
Conclusions
Among preschool children who were immunized according to chronological age, those we were born late preterm do not seem to differ in vaccine-induced immunity from those who were born full-term.
... They advance the notion that vaccines are " unavoidably " dangerous because of nebulous " toxins " introduced into the body via vaccination. Some of these chemicals are present in small amounts (aluminum as an adjuvant, for example); others, such as " antifreeze, " are not and never have been present in vaccines[12]. Another commonly feared " toxin, " the ethyl mercury that is part of the preservative thimerosal, has been removed from most routine vaccinations since 2001 (and was never present in live vaccine formulations), despite no evidence of harm[13]. ...
Vaccine refusal has been a recurring story in the media for well over a decade. Though there is scant evidence that refusal is genuinely increasing in the population, multiple studies have demonstrated concerning patterns of decline of confidence in vaccines, the medical professionals who administer vaccines, and the scientists who study and develop vaccines. As specialists in microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases, scientists are content experts but often lack the direct contact with individuals considering vaccination for themselves or their children that healthcare professionals have daily. This review examines the arguments and players in the United States anti-vaccination scene, and discusses ways that experts in infectious diseases can become more active in promoting vaccination to friends, family, and the public at large.
... These observations should not be particularly surprising given Al's well-established neurotoxic properties[38,39]. What has, however, been argued is that the concentrations at which Al is used in vaccines are not sufficient to cause neurotoxicity[17,40]. This argument, however, is not supported by recent evidence. ...
Vaccine adjuvants and vaccines may induce autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations in susceptible individuals. To date most human vaccine trials utilize aluminum (Al) adjuvants as placebos despite much evidence showing that Al in vaccine-relevant exposures can be toxic to humans and animals. We sought to evaluate the effects of Al adjuvant and the HPV vaccine Gardasil versus the true placebo on behavioral and inflammatory parameters in female mice. Six-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were injected with either, Gardasil, Gardasil + pertussis toxin (Pt), Al hydroxide, or, vehicle control in amounts equivalent to human exposure. At 7.5 months of age, Gardasil and Al-injected mice spent significantly more time floating in the forced swimming test (FST) in comparison with vehicle-injected mice (Al, p = 0.009; Gardasil, p = 0.025; Gardasil + Pt, p = 0.005). The increase in floating time was already highly significant at 4.5 months of age for the Gardasil and Gardasil + Pt group (p ≤ 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in the number of stairs climbed in the staircase test which measures locomotor activity. These results indicate that differences observed in the FST were unlikely due to locomotor dysfunction, but rather due to depression. Moreover, anti-HPV antibodies from the sera of Gardasil and Gardasil + Pt-injected mice showed cross-reactivity with the mouse brain protein extract. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed microglial activation in the CA1 area of the hippocampus of Gardasil-injected mice. It appears that Gardasil via its Al adjuvant and HPV antigens has the ability to trigger neuroinflammation and autoimmune reactions, further leading to behavioral changes.
... Approximately 30 years following its discovery, FA was introduced into medical practice as a disinfectant and tissue hardener, used in many hospitals and laboratories to preserve tissue specimens (Walker, 1964;Cox, 1984). It has medical applications as a sterilizer and is employed as an anti-viral agent and preservative in the production of vaccines, instead of the harmful merthiolate, which can cause neurodevelopmental disorders including autism and autism spectrum disorders (Offit, 2007;Geier, 2004). FA has a negative influence on human health, especially on the central nervous, blood and immune systems. ...
... In spite of its toxicity and negative environmental and health effects, FA is used in medicine as a preservative in the production of vaccines instead of the harmful merthiolate that can cause neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and autism spectrum disorders (Offit and Jew, 2007;Geier andGeier, 2004, Wilton et al., 2014). FA is also applied as an analgesic agent in veterinary medicine (Schneider et al., 2014). ...
Formaldehyde (FA) is a highly reactive compound with a toxic effect on all organisms due to non-specific interactions with proteins and nucleic acids. This substance is a hazardous air pollutant, and prolonged exposure to FA may cause serious health effects. This chapter describes approaches for detection and eliminating FA in several real and model sources. The cells of the thermotolerant methylotrophic yeast Hansenula (Ogatae) polymorpha as well as FA-oxidizing enzymes isolated from these cells were employed as catalytic elements in the development of enzymatic methods for FA detection by analytical kits and biosensors as well as for degradation in bioreactors. Recombinant yeast strains, originating from NCYC 495 and CBS 4732 H. polymorpha strains resistent to elevated concentrations of FA in the medium and overproducing a homologous NAD-and glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FdDH), were constructed. Optimal cultivation conditions for the highest yield of FdDH as well as formaldehyde reductase (FR) were found. Alcohol oxidase (AOX) was isolated from the mutant strain H. polymorpha C-105 (gcrl catX) which is defective in glucose repression of AOX synthesis and lacks catalase. Simple schemes for FdDH, FR and AOX isolation and chromatographic purification from the recombinant overproducers were proposed and the physico-chemical and catalytic properties of the purified enzymes were studied. Enzymatic methods and analytical kits for FA assay based on glutathione-dependent FdDH and AOX were developed. The purified FdDH and AOX preparations, as well as yeast cells overproducing these enzymes, were used for the construction of FA-selective enzyme-based and microbial electrochemical biosensors. A laboratory prototype of a FA analyzer with a catalytic chemosensing element and a simple low-cost FA-sensitive biosensor for semi-quantitative FA detection were developed. The latter sensor is based on a change in the color of a solution that contains a mixture of AOX, horseradish peroxidase and a chromogen, after exposure to airborne FA. The reliability of the proposed analytical approaches was tested on model solutions and on real samples of FA-containing industrial products, vaccines and wastes. A strong cross-correlation was found between FA content values obtained by the developed methods and routinely used chemical ones. The enzyme preparations and the yeast cells overproducing the corresponding enzymes were used for construction of FA-selective electrochemical biosensors. The purified enzymes and the recombinant and mutant cells served as the catalytic units in cartridges for FA removal from indoor air and from water solutions. Experimental data confirm the possibility of exploiting the developed bioreactors based on crude preparations of AOX or methylotrophic yeast cells, for effective FA oxidation (up to 99.9%) controlled by a coupled FdDH-based biosensor.
... Furthermore, vaccines may contain residual quantities of substances used during the manufacturing process (eg, formaldehyde, antibiotics, egg proteins, yeast proteins) (Offit and Jew, 2003). ...
Over the past decade illness outbreaks have posed a serious threat to human life and well-being. The 2009
outbreak H1N1/A influenza virus also was expected to disproportionately affect healthy young persons under the
age of 25 years. A small amount of the preservative thimerosal is routinely added to many vaccine preparations,
including H1N1 vaccine. Thimerosal is an organic mercurial containing an ethylmercury moiety attached to the
sulfur atom of thiosalicylate. Since the 1930s, thimerosal has been used as an antiseptic and a preservative in a
wide variety of products, to investigate the monoamines alternation and oxidative stress induced after H1N1
vaccine injection, adult male Swiss mice were injected with thiomerosal, adjuvant, H1N1 antigen and H1N1
vaccine. Results obtain on the present study showed that thiomerosal, H1N1 antigen and H1N1 vaccine were
caused significant decrease in norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) contents of hypothalamus, striatum and
cerebral cortex. The alternation in NE and DA was associated with significant increase in oxidative markers
namely lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide, oxidation induction was extent to cause significant decrease in
glutathione level. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that H1N1 vaccine as a whole and/or its
ingredient caused oxidative stress and monoamines alternations in brain of mice. The present observation could
be due to the presence of thiomerosal.
... Clients respect the opinions of vaccination professionals, trust their competence and are willing to accept their vaccination recommendations. Many studies have been done on clients' attitudes towards having themselves or their children vaccinated (Uuttu & Routasalo 1995, Impicciatore et al. 2000, Greene 2002, Ritvo et al. 2003, Keane et al. 2005, Lee et al. 2005, Yarwood et al. 2005, Benin et al. 2006, Casiday et al. 2006, Dempsey et al. 2006, Constantine & Jerman 2007, Evans et al. 2007, Lenselink et al. 2008, Austvoll-Dahlgren & Helseth 2010, Luthy et al. 2010, along with their outright or partial refusal to have themselves or their children vaccinated (Lunts & Cowper 2002, Alfredsson et al. 2004, Lansley 2004, Meyer & Reiter 2004, Offit & Jew 2003, Salmon et al. 2004, Crockett & Keystone 2005, Cullen 2005, Gullion et al. 2008). ...
... Adjuvants are potential solutions to inducing the protective response in infants, 25 but the widespread fear of adverse events from adjuvants that persist in popular media may be a hindrance for vaccine acceptance even if it is approved. 31 Using the intradermal route rather than the intramuscular route with current vaccine formulations in infants under six months of age could possibly induce a sufficient immune response as opposed to the intramuscular route. Studies exploring this in adults have showed that a reduced dose produced a similar effect as a full dose given intramuscularly. ...
Seasonal influenza is a substantial cause of severe illness among infants under 6 months of age globally. There are multiple methods of vaccination against influenza, including inactivated and live vaccines that are approved and recommended for children and adults over 6 months of age, but there is no vaccine that protects against seasonal influenza for children<6 months of age. This group is at a high risk of severe illness and is associated with higher rates of hospitalization and mortality during the influenza season. In absence of an available vaccine, approaches protecting young infants from influenza must be taken seriously. These methods include vaccinating pregnant women for influenza as a method of protecting mothers and the fetus as well as vaccinating caregivers and close contacts of individuals in this age group.
... Non, cette accusation est fausse. De multiples études ont conclu à l'absence d'accumulation du thiomersal dans l'organisme et à l'absence de complications liée à sa présence dans les vaccins [35][36][37][38][39]. Ainsi, même si son retrait des vaccins était le bienvenu sur un plan théorique, le seul risque identifié comme associé au mercure des vaccins est celui d'une hypersensibilité retardée se manifestant par un placard inflammatoire survenant au site d'injection entre 2 et 4 jours après la vaccination [37]. ...
... Table 1 provides a list of some of the most frequent myths and the evidence-based reality that defines sources of family uncertainty. There is also another major myth that there is an explosive epidemic of autism due to childhood immunizations (Nelson & Bauman, 2003;Murch et al., 2004;Offit & Jew, 2003). This leads to both suspicion of medicine and failure to understand that the preponderance of evidence supports the benefit of immunizations for the prevention of illness in children with autism and preventing both autism and severe disabilities in young children. ...
There is increasing public and healthcare provider awareness about the early signs and developmental challenges of children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). Healthcare professionals are guided by several major policy statements regarding the diagnosis and management of autism. There remain substantial gaps between these guidelines and families' needs during the diagnostic process. This article provides a developmental and behavioral perspective for the professionals who desire to find guideposts in task of supporting families throughout the diagnostic process of autism. We illustrate the diversity of the ASDs using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Model and describe developmental and behavioral perspectives about the autism diagnostic process. Our overall goal is to enhance parent and professional collaboration in promoting the establishment of medical homes, accessing the highest quality developmental assessments, and implementing comprehensive supports for parents of children with ASDs.
... 30 Aluminum salts have been added to a number of vaccines to enhance the immune response. 31,32 Measlesmumps-rubella, polio, meningococcal, influenza, and rotavirus vaccines do not contain aluminum. Those containing aluminum that are given in early childhood include all formulations of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria-tetanus, diphtheria, tetanus toxoids, and acellular pertussis alone or as a combination vaccine, Haemophilus B Conjugate Vaccine, and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines. ...
Some parents are requesting aluminum testing in their children with developmental issues. Although aluminum can be measured in plasma, serum, or urine, there is scant scientific information about normal ranges. We sought to determine the basis for laboratory reference ranges and whether these ranges are applicable to children.
From texts, published lists, and Internet sources, we obtained the names of 10 clinical laboratories that perform aluminum testing. Contact was made by telephone or e-mail, or Internet sites were viewed to obtain information regarding the establishment of aluminum reference ranges and testing methods in biological samples. Seven laboratories provided supporting literature that was reviewed regarding details of the study populations.
For laboratories using the atomic absorption spectrometry method, aluminum reference ranges varied from <5.41 μg/L to <20 μg/L (serum), <7.00 μg/L to 0 to 10 μg/L (plasma) and 5 to 30 μg/L (urine). For those using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy methodology, ranges varied from 0 to 6 μg/L to <42 μg/L (serum), 0 to 10 μg/L to 0 to 15 μg/L (plasma), and 0 to 7 μg/L to 5 to 30 μg/L (urine). None of the reference ranges are known to be derived from studies of healthy children, but relied instead on small studies of adult populations, adult dialysis patients, workers, or sick children on aluminum-containing parenteral therapy.
Aluminum reference ranges provided by laboratories are widely divergent, may not represent "normal" ranges of a healthy population, especially children, and thus it is difficult to interpret serum or urine aluminum ranges clinically. Further studies of aluminum in children are warranted and should be considered as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Biomonitoring Project.
... preserving tissue specimens in hospitals and laboratories (Walker, 1964;Cox, 1994). It is also used as a sterilizer and a preservative in vaccine production (Geier and Geier, 2004;Offit and Jew, 2007). ...
Formaldehyde (FA)-containing indoor air has a negative effect on human health and should be removed by intensive ventilation or by catalytic conversion to non-toxic products. FA can be oxidized by alcohol oxidase (AOX) taking part in methanol metabolism of methylotrophic yeasts. In the present work, AOX isolated from a Hansenula polymorpha C-105 mutant (gcr1 catX) overproducing this enzyme in glucose medium, was tested for its ability to oxidize airborne FA. A continuous fluidized bed bioreactor (FBBR) was designed to enable an effective bioconversion of airborne FA by AOX or by permeabilized mutant H. polymorpha C-105 cells immobilized in calcium alginate beads. The immobilized AOX having a specific activity of 6-8 U mg⁻¹ protein was shown to preserve 85-90% of the initial activity. The catalytic parameters of the immobilized enzyme were practically the same as for the free enzyme (k(cat)/K(m) was 2.35×10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ vs 2.89×10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively). The results showed that upon bubbling of air containing from 0.3 up to 18.5 ppm FA through immobilized AOX in the range of 1.3-26.6 U g⁻¹ of the gel resulted in essential decrease of FA concentration in the outlet gas phase (less than 0.02-0.03 ppm, i.e. 10-fold less than the threshold limit value). It was also demonstrated that a FBBR with immobilized permeabilized C-105 cells provided more than 90% elimination of airborne FA. The process was monitored by a specially constructed enzymatic amperometric biosensor based on FA oxidation by NAD+ and glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase from the recombinant H. polymorpha Tf 11-6 strain.
... In vaccines, aluminium salts are used as adjuvants to enhance the immune response [82]. The most frequent clinical manifestation of a reaction to aluminium in vaccines is the development of painful and pruritic nodules at the site of injection [83]. ...
Concerns about possible reactions to vaccines or vaccinations are frequently raised. However, the rate of reported vaccine-induced adverse events is low and ranges between 4.8-83.0 per 100,000 doses of the most frequently used vaccines. The number of true allergic reactions to routine vaccines is not known; estimations range from 1 per 500,000 to 1 per 1,000,000 doses for most vaccines. When allergens such as gelatine or egg proteins are components of the formulation, the rate for serious allergic reactions may be higher. Nevertheless, anaphylactic, potentially life-threatening reactions to vaccines are still a rare event (approximately 1 per 1,500,000 doses). The variety of reported vaccine-related adverse events is broad. Most frequently, reactions to vaccines are limited to the injection site and result from a non specific activation of the inflammatory system by, for example, aluminium salts or the active microbial components. If allergy is suspected, an accurate examination followed by algorithms is the key for correct diagnosis, treatment and the decision regarding revaccination in patients with immediate-type reactions to vaccines.
... By 6 months of age, infants typically ingest 6700 g of aluminum in breast milk, 37 800 g in infant formula, or 116 600 g in soy-based formula. 16 Furthermore, Sears fails to describe scientific studies that led the National Vaccine Program Office to conclude that the amount of aluminum contained in vaccines did not warrant changing the vaccine schedule. 17 ...
In October 2007, Dr Robert Sears, in response to growing parental concerns about the safety of vaccines, published The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. Sears' book is enormously popular, having sold >40000 copies. At the back of the book, Sears includes "Dr Bob's Alternative Vaccine Schedule," a formula by which parents can delay, withhold, separate, or space out vaccines. Pediatricians now confront many parents who insist that their children receive vaccines according to Sears' schedule, rather than that recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This article examines the reasons for the popularity of Sears' book, deconstructs the logic and rationale behind its recommendations, and describes how Sears' misrepresentation of vaccine science misinforms parents trying to make the right decisions for their children.
Almanac from a very fruitful week of ethics on our Institute of applied ethics in April 2014 with prize Award for Mons. Prof. Jean-Louis Brugues OP
Vaccines have been extremely successful in reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine‐preventable diseases. However, given that few vaccine‐preventable diseases currently are eradicable, continued immunization of new susceptibles will be needed indefinitely. When high immunization rates successfully reduce the incidence of their target vaccine‐preventable diseases, adverse events following immunizations, including those caused by and coincidental to immunization, become relatively more prominent as disease becomes more remote, both in time and in the memories of healthcare providers, parents, and patients. Such vaccine safety concerns – if not properly studied and managed – can destabilize immunization programs, resulting in decreased vaccine coverage and resurgence of the vaccine‐preventable diseases. Pharmacoepidemiologic principles can be applied across the life cycle of vaccines to enhance our scientific understanding of vaccine safety at both individual and population levels. This understanding can provide better quantification of the attributable risk of adverse events following immunization and, ideally, prevent such vaccine risks in the future via advances in adversomics and personalized vaccinology. Adequate capacity for vaccine safety surveillance and scientifically rigorous large‐linked database studies are increasingly available in high‐income countries. Such capacity also needs to be developed in low‐ and middle‐income countries, especially those targeted for the introduction of new vaccines.
The alarming rise of morbidity and mortality caused by influenza pandemics and epidemics has drawn attention worldwide since the last few decades. This life-threatening problem necessitates the development of a safe and effective vaccine to protect against incoming pandemics. The currently available flu vaccines rely on inactivated viral particles, M2e-based vaccine, live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) and virus like particle (VLP). While inactivated vaccines can only induce systemic humoral responses, LAIV and VLP vaccines stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. Yet, these vaccines have limited protection against newly emerging viral strains. These strains, however, can be targeted by universal vaccines consisting of conserved viral proteins such as M2e and capable of inducing cross-reactive immune response. The lack of viral genome in VLP and M2e-based vaccines addresses safety concern associated with existing attenuated vaccines. With the emergence of new recombinant viral strains each year, additional effort towards developing improved universal vaccine is warranted. Besides various types of vaccines, microRNA and exosome-based vaccines have been emerged as new types of influenza vaccines which are associated with new and effective properties. Hence, development of a new generation of vaccines could contribute to better treatment of influenza.
Over the past 100 years, an increasing array of vaccines has been introduced into the Canadian market and yet optimal use depends on public demand and acceptance of these products. In the 1990s, research focused on key barriers to vaccine uptake, highlighting the importance of barriers to access and "missed opportunities" for vaccination. In this century the focus is on vaccine hesitancy, which is influenced by factors such as complacency, convenience and confidence. This phenomenon is not new but some of its drivers include an increasingly crowded immunization schedule, heightened societal concerns about risk over benefit, and a rise in health consumerism. Understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy will be critical to preventing it from undermining the success of immunization in the future. While more research is needed, there are both practitioner-based resources to optimize dialogue with vaccine-hesitant parents and program-based resources to address vaccine hesitancy at a population-based and societal level.
In this article, we aim to illustrate the various possible mechanisms that play a role in the multi-faceted neuroinflammation seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders, which involve the gastrointestinal, immune and nervous systems. As with other environmentally-induced autoimmune disorders, autism is a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental
triggers and barrier dysfunction. The pathogenesis of autism can take many avenues, from gut dysbiosis, to loss of intestinal barrier integrity, to systemic inflammation, to breach of the blood-brain barrier, to neuroinflammation and neuroautoimmunity. The gut-brain axis has been shown to play an important role in the induction of neuroautoimmune disorders. The connective inter-relation between gut and brain means that dysfunctions or damage to the intestinal barrier or blood-brain barrier can seriously affect one or the other. Environmental triggers actually begin their assault while someone is still in the
womb; studies have shown that the efficiency of a person’s immune system or his susceptibility to autoimmune disease can be affected by prenatal conditions, maternal exposures, and continuing exposure throughout a person’s lifetime. Toxic chemicals abound in all aspects of existence, from food to medication to packaging to pollution. Individuals may be immune-reactive to particular chemicals bound to human tissue or food proteins. Infections can affect the immune system and breach the immune barriers. The triggering factors may also bind to human tissue, including neural tissue, causing tissue reactivity and neuroautoimmunity. By understanding the mechanisms by which these environmental triggers lead to neuroautoimmunity, clinicians may be able to identify the triggers, remove them from a patient’s environment, and devise protocols to repair the barriers and improve the patient’s health.
Verschiedene Methoden und Ansätze der Alternativmedizin werden vorgestellt, das Thema Impfen und Heilpraktiker behandelt. Auch Probleme innnerhalb der Medizin werden thematisiert.
Dit artikel bespreekt de meest gebruikte vaccincomponenten en mogelijke bijwerkingen. Met name de adjuvantia geven bijwerkingen: injectieplaatsreacties en soms koorts met bijbehorende klachten die enkele dagen kunnen duren. Van adjuvantia en andere componenten is bij de in vaccins gebruikte hoeveelheden geen toxiciteit aangetoond. Het conserveermiddel thiomersal (een kwikzout) wordt in Nederland en België niet gebruikt in de vaccins voor kinderen; overigens is schadelijkheid, en met name een relatie met autisme, van deze stof niet aangetoond. Sporadisch komt een allergie voor vaccincomponenten voor.
Background:
GSK's varicella vaccine contains human serum albumin (HSA) which is used to stabilize the virus and prevent immunogens from adhering to the injection vial walls. However, because HSA is derived from human blood, there is a theoretical risk that it might contain infectious agents which could be unsafe for humans. Given this concern, a study was undertaken to compare the immunogenicity and safety of a new formulation without HSA with the currently licensed varicella vaccine in the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Methods:
Healthy children aged 11-21 months received two doses of the varicella vaccine either with or without HSA. Antibody titres against varicella-zoster virus (anti-VZV) were measured 42 days after each dose, using an immunofluorescence assay (IFA, cut-off = 4dilution(-1)) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, cut-off = 25 mIU/ml). Solicited local symptoms were recorded during a 4-day post-vaccination follow-up period; solicited general and unsolicited symptoms were recorded during a 43-day post-vaccination follow-up period and serious adverse event (SAEs) were recorded throughout the study.
Results:
Of 244 children (mean age = 15.2 months [SD = 3.2]) vaccinated in the study, 233 (vaccine without HSA N = 117; vaccine containing HSA N = 116) formed the according-to-protocol immunogenicity cohort. Observed seroconversion/seroresponse rates were >98 and 100 %, 42 days after doses 1 and 2, respectively. The rates were within the same range in both groups, irrespective of the testing assay. The varicella vaccine without HSA was non-inferior to the licensed vaccine in terms of anti-VZV antibody Geometric Mean Titre/Concentration ratio (1.12 [95 % CI:0.86-1.46] by IFA; 1.12 [95 % CI:0.93-1.33] by ELISA) approximately six weeks after the first dose of the 2-dose vaccination course. The incidence of solicited and unsolicited symptoms was similar after both vaccines; low-grade fever was numerically higher after the first dose of the varicella vaccine without HSA. Seven SAEs were reported, none of which were fatal or considered to be vaccine-related.
Conclusions:
The first dose of a new varicella vaccine without HSA was immunologically non-inferior to the licensed varicella vaccine. After two doses, both vaccines had acceptable safety profiles in children aged 11-21 months in the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Trial registration:
NCT00568334 , registered on 5 December 2007 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ).
Aluminum oxyhydroxide (alum) is a crystaline compound widely used as an immunologic
adjuvant of vaccines. Concerns linked to the use of alum particles emerged following
recognition of their causative role in the so-called macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF) lesion
detected in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue/syndrome. MMF revealed
an unexpectedly long-lasting biopersistence of alum within immune cells in presumably
susceptible individuals, stressing the previous fundamental misconception of its
biodisposition. We previously showed that poorly biodegradable aluminum-coated particles
injected into muscle are promptly phagocytozed in muscle and the draining lymph nodes, and
can disseminate within phagocytic cells throughout the body and slowly accumulate in brain.
This strongly suggests that long-term adjuvant biopersistence within phagocytic cells is a
prerequisite for slow brain translocation and delayed neurotoxicity. The understanding of
basic mechanisms of particle biopersistence and brain translocation represents a major health
challenge, since it could help to define susceptibility factors to develop chronic neurotoxic
damage. Biopersistence of alum may be linked to its lysosome-destabilizing effect, which is
likely due to direct crystal-induced rupture of phagolysosomal membranes. Macrophages that
continuously perceive foreign particles in their cytosol will likely reiterate, with variable
interindividual efficiency, a dedicated form of autophagy (xenophagy) until they dispose of
alien materials. Successful compartmentalization of particles within double membrane
autophagosomes and subsequent fusion with repaired and re-acidified lysosomes will expose
alum to lysosomal acidic pH, the sole factor that can solubilize alum particles. Brain
translocation of alum particles is linked to a Trojan horse mechanism previously described for
infectious particles (HIV, HCV), that obeys to CCL2 signaling the major inflammatory
monocyte chemoattractant.
Emeritus of Food Science and Nutrition from Arizona State University, has decades of experience in food science and nutrition as a researcher, teacher, inventor, industry consultant and consumer advocate who is committed to food additive safety and the prevention of food borne diseases. For over 30 years he has studied the link between artificial sweeteners and the diseases of civilization including Alzheimer's, Heart Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, numerous forms of cancer, Autism and other Birth Defects. Dr. Monte's testimony before Congress was instrumental in the prevention of Sulfites from receiving status of US FDA GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) and the implementation of mandatory labeling for most foods that contain this dangerous additive. Through his research, Dr. Monte has been awarded 22 US patents. He has shared his technical expertise during hundreds of television and radio appearances including a spe-cial feature on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather and 60 Minutes. He is the author of numerous scientific publications and the book While Science Sleeps: A Sweetener Kills.
To be granted a product license, a vaccine must present adequate quality, safety and efficacy. Studies on these criteria often utilize target species in a laboratory setting. Vaccines that had been proven effective during laboratory analysis may not present the same features when sold on a large scale, after encountering field conditions, and furthermore, can even produce complications. Measures are already in place to detect adverse reactions as reported by veterinarians to manufacturers, so that vaccines under suspicion of failing can be identified and investigated. The present review article describes the main problems, specifically adverse reactions and lack of efficacy, that have been encountered following release of vaccines for general use.
We have examined the neurotoxicity of aluminum in humans and animals under various conditions, following different routes of administration, and provide an overview of the various associated disease states. The literature demonstrates clearly negative impacts of aluminum on the nervous system across the age span. In adults, aluminum exposure can lead to apparently age-related neurological deficits resembling Alzheimer's and has been linked to this disease and to the Guamanian variant, ALS-PDC. Similar outcomes have been found in animal models. In addition, injection of aluminum adjuvants in an attempt to model Gulf War syndrome and associated neurological deficits leads to an ALS phenotype in young male mice. In young children, a highly significant correlation exists between the number of pediatric aluminum-adjuvanted vaccines administered and the rate of autism spectrum disorders. Many of the features of aluminum-induced neurotoxicity may arise, in part, from autoimmune reactions, as part of the ASIA syndrome.
Recombinant yeast clones, originated from the recipient Hansenula polymorpha strains NCYC 495 and CS 4732, resistent to elevated concentrations of formaldehyde in a medium (up to 15-20 mM) and overproducing a homologous NAD-and glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase, were constructed. Optimal cultivation conditions for the highest yield of the enzyme were established. A simple scheme for the isolation of formaldehyde dehydrogenase from the recombinant strains was proposed, and some characteristics of the purified enzyme were studied. Enzymatic and biosensoric methods for formaldehyde assay based on the formaldehyde dehydrogenase and the constructed recombinant cells were developed. The reliability of the developed analytical approaches was tested on real samples of waste waters, pharmaceuticals, formaldehyde-containing industrial products, and FORMALDEHYDE ASSAY 2 vaccines. The comparison of formaldehyde content values obtained by the use of biosensors (enzyme and cells-based), enzymatic methods and two routinely used chemical ones (chromotropic acid and 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone) showed a good correlation between these approaches.
Recombinant yeast clones, originated from the recipient Hansenula polymorpha strains NCYC 495 and CBS 4732, resistent to elevated concentrations of formaldehyde in a medium (up to 15–20 mM) and overproducing
a homologous NAD- and glutathione-dependent form-aldehyde dehydrogenase, were constructed. Optimal cultivation conditions
for the highest yield of the enzyme were established. A simple scheme for the isolation of formaldehyde dehydrogenase from
the re-combinant strains was proposed, and some characteristics of the purified enzyme were studied. Enzymatic and biosensoric
methods for formaldehyde assay based on the formaldehyde dehydrogenase and the constructed recombinant cells were developed.
The reliability of the developed analytical approaches was tested on real samples of waste waters, pharmaceuticals, formaldehyde-containing
industrial products, and vaccines. The comparison of formaldehyde content values obtained by the use of biosensors (enzyme
and cells-based), enzymatic methods and two routinely used chemical ones (chromotropic acid and 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone
hydrazone) showed a good correlation between these approaches.
Vaccinations represent a special problem in children and adolescents with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. There are very limited data on the safety and efficacy of vaccines in these patients, and guidelines for immunization are missing. The immunosuppressive therapy often necessary for these patients gives rise to additional uncertainty. In addition, many colleagues consider vaccination to increase the risk of relapse of the rheumatic illness. As a consequence, there are substantial variations in practicing vaccination in these patients, resulting in insufficient vaccination coverage rates. For example, every third patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is incompletely vaccinated; this even includes toxoid vaccines for tetanus and diphtheria. The benefit of vaccinations, which far outweighs their potential risks, is well recognized even in patients with autoimmune diseases. These patients in particular require a special protection from infections due to their immunosuppressive therapies. Therefore, children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases should be immunized according to the Standing Immunization Commission of the Robert Koch Institute recommendations whenever possible. However, the time of vaccination must be carefully selected, taking disease activity and treatment into account.
: Vaccines are composed of immunogens, preservatives, adjuvants, antibiotics, and manufacturing by-products. Components of vaccines may rarely elicit adverse reactions in susceptible individuals, thus raising concerns regarding vaccine safety. In this report, we add to the medical literature 3 cases of cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity to the vaccine preservative aluminum. We provide a review of major constituents in vaccines that have elicited immediate-type or delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and describe their clinical manifestations. We include a table of the Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines, which lists the quantities of major components including ovalbumin (egg protein), gelatin, aluminum, neomycin, 2-phenoxyethanol, thimerosal, and formaldehyde. Our goals were to inform physicians on the variety of hypersensitivity reactions to common vaccines and to provide information on the choice of vaccines in patients with suspected hypersensitivity.
Hens' eggs are a common food in the American diet. They are consumed as a primary food source and added as an ingredient to other foods. In individuals who are hypersensitive to eggs, egg-containing foods can cause mild to severe allergic reactions if ingested. These individuals may also have adverse reactions to vaccines produced on egg media. Vaccines that are created on egg media include those for measles, mumps, and rubella; rabies; yellow fever; and influenza. The authors discuss recent developments in the use of egg-containing vaccines in hypersensitive patients.
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been successfully employed for many years in TBE-endemic countries. Post-marketing experience gained from widespread use, however, prompted the development of improved TBE vaccines, the most modern versions of which do not contain the commonly used protein-derived stabilizers (human albumin or polygeline) of former vaccines.
This article summarizes both the medical need for and clinical experience with a new TBE vaccine formulation (pediatric and adult versions). To this end, data from clinical trials and post-marketing experience are presented. The clinical database comprises immunogenicity and/or safety data of approximately 7,500 subjects ages 1 to 77 years who participated in eight clinical trials. The clinical trials were conducted at 69 centers in five European countries. Post-marketing experience includes safety data from passive pharmacovigilance systems in 18 countries where these vaccines have been licensed since 2001.
All subjects analyzed for immunogenicity achieved postimmunization levels of TBE antibodies that meet the definition of seroconversion or represent a fourfold increase. The pooled data of clinical trials revealed the expected rate of solicited local and systemic reactions. The majority of these transient postimmunization reactions were mild. Pharmacovigilance data confirm the high level of safety of these new TBE vaccines: only a common range of the side effects already noted for licensed TBE vaccines was reported. After the distribution of more than five million vaccine doses, no potential safety risk was noted.
Post-marketing experience supports results from clinical trials showing that these new TBE vaccines may safely be used for the vaccination of children, adolescents, and adults.
Vaccines to protect against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are produced by two manufacturers and are widely used in European and Asian countries, where TBE virus is endemic. General trends in vaccine development during recent decades and extensive postmarketing experience resulted in several modifications to their formulations and practical implications for use. Modifications were made to the production process, such as the change of the virus master bank from mouse brain to primary cells; to the excipients, especially the stabilizers and preservative; and to include formulations for children. Additionally, a rapid vaccination schedule has been developed for persons who require a fast onset of protection. Recent data from clinical studies and postmarketing surveillance indicate that both vaccines are safe, efficacious and interchangeable. Further (major) changes to formulation or alternative targets for vaccine development are not anticipated in the next 5 years. Recent serologic studies indicate that the persistence of protective immunity was longer than expected. Thus, recommendations for prolongation of TBE booster intervals have been made in several European countries, and a harmonization for booster recommendations is predicted within the European Union. Based on epidemiologic trends, the use of TBE vaccines will continue to increase in all age groups, including children.
Aluminum adjuvants are widely used in human vaccines based on their ability to enhance antibody production. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. In the present study we assessed the direct in vitro effect of aluminum hydroxide on human peripheral blood monocytes, specifically with regard to its impact on the phenotype and functional properties of this cell population. Our results revealed significant changes in the accessory properties of monocytes following short-term exposure of cultured cells to aluminum hydroxide. Thus, flow cytometry analyses showed an increase in the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD40, CD54, CD58, CD83, and CD86 molecules on the monocytes. In addition, many cells in the cultures containing aluminum hydroxide acquired typical dendritic morphology. Increased synthesis of interleukin-4 (IL-4) mRNA, but not gamma interferon mRNA, was also noted after exposure to aluminum hydroxide. The increase in cell surface expression of MHC class II did not occur in the presence of neutralizing IL-4 antibody or in cultures of highly purified monocytes or CD4-depleted mononuclear cells. Our findings suggest that aluminum hydroxide directly stimulates monocytes to produce proinflammatory cytokines activating T cells. Activated Th2 cells release IL-4, which in turn can induce an increase in the expression of MHC class II molecules on monocytes. The increase in the expression of antigen-presenting and costimulatory molecules leads to enhanced accessory functions of monocytes. These properties of aluminum hydroxide observed in vitro may explain its potent in vivo adjuvant effect.