Tolerability of the Biken acellular pertussis vaccine in adults with or without previous vaccination against pertussis in childhood.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the local and systemic tolerability of two batches of the Biken acellular pertussis (Pa) vaccine following administration of a single vaccine dose to adults with or without a history of prior pertussis immunization. The results from this study were compared to data from published literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a controlled, open-labeled double-blind trial, 518 healthy male and female adults with or without primary pertussis immunization were enrolled at three centers. All study participants had received one single dose (0.5 ml) of the Biken two-component (23.4 mg PT; 23.4 mg FHA) Pa vaccine deeply intramuscularly. Local and systemic adverse events were solicited for 4 days using diary cards. On two occasions, between day 4-7 and between day 12-16 postvaccination, vaccinees were reexamined. At the end of the observation period (day 28) vaccinees had to send a preprinted letter to the study center indicating their state of health.

RESULTS: One serious adverse event (acute appendicitis) occurred and was considered not to be related to the study vaccine. At the injection site, redness > 20 mm was observed in one subject (0.2%), and swelling > 20 mm was seen in ten subjects (1.98%). Edematous swelling occurred in three subjects (0.59%). In 27 subjects (5.34%) a "late-onset muscle mass swelling" could be palpated, usually occurring on day 6-12 postvaccination. 429 subjects (84.78%) experienced none or only slight tenderness on pressure during the. rst 4 days postvaccination, moderate tenderness on pressure was reported by 60 subjects (11.86%) and severe tenderness by 16 vaccinees (3.16%). Systemic side effects were rare: no fever > 38.5 degrees C was observed, and only seven subjects (1.39%) took antipyretics. Five patients (0.99%) experienced exhaustion or nausea. The vast majority of the participants (97.43%) would opt for the vaccination again.

CONCLUSION: The study vaccine was safe and induced only infrequently and mostly mild, local or general symptoms that all resolved spontaneously. It was well tolerated and accepted in adults.