Live influenza B vaccine in volunteers

Abstract

SUMMARYA trial of an experimental live influenza B vaccine has been described.The virus it contained was active and produced infections, antibody rises and clinical reactions.Second and third vaccinations had much less effect than the first. Resistance to revaccination was only partially reflected in the serological response.It seems that another factor, probably local antibody, exerts a considerable influence on resistance to infection with influenza viruses.We are greatly indebted to Dr P. G. Higgins of the Public Health Laboratory, Cirencester, who went to much trouble to provide us with specimens from patients with influenza; to Dr H. G. Pereira of the National Institute for Medical Research for the antigenic analysis of the vaccine virus; to Messrs Sankey Ltd., Bilston, Wolverhampton, for their unfailing courtesy and forbearance throughout the trial; to the volunteers for their enthusiastic co-operation in the face of some discom forts; and to Messrs Pfizer Ltd., Sandwich, for originally providing facilities for the preparation of the vaccine.In particular we wish to record our gratitude for the invaluable technical help of Miss Pamela Ball of the Common Cold Research Unit, Mrs Maria Gregory of the Bacteriology Department of Liverpool University, Mrs L. Johnson of the Virus Laboratory of New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, and Mr A. Westoby, an assistant in the practice of Dr Tyler.