Abstract

OROPESA, Suset et al. Protection levels against the hemaglutinine of influenza A/Johannesburg/82/96 (H1N1) influenza virus in a care center for old ladies. Vaccimonitor [online]. 2010, vol.19, n.3, pp.20-25. ISSN 1025-028X.

Annual vaccination against influenza is an essential strategic action to reduce morbidity, complications and mortality due to this disease. This practice is specially recommended in risk groups, mainly in the elderly with high risk to develop a severe or complicated influenza. Taking into account this condition and after the application of a single dose (0.5 mL by intramuscular route) of the Aggrippal S1 vaccine/ Chiron vaccine, according to WHO for 1997-1998, the anti-hemagglutinin humoral response was evaluated in 38 women aged ³ 65 from a care center for old ladies (state institution) of the City of Havana, Cuba. It was used the Hemagglutination Inhibition technique in serum samples from blood extracted in three stages: pre-vaccination (immediately after the application), post-vaccination (30 days after), and one year after vaccination during the influenza season 1997-1999. The Student test was applied in the results and statistically significant differences were observed (p=0.00094 and p= 0.0018, respectively) when comparing the protective antibodies levels in post-vaccine stage (78.94%) and those of one year after vaccination (42.11%) with the ones of the pre- vaccination stage. The comparison of positivity detected in the three stages (28.94%; 97.36% and 86.34%) was also significant by Chi-squared test (p<0.00001). Response to anti-flu immunization achieved in this group supports re-vaccination practice in the elderly who shows the higher mortality rates due to influenza and pneumonia.

Keywords : Influenza viruses; Inactivated vaccine; Hemagglutination-inhibition test.

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