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In the Netherlands, people indicated for seasonal influenza vaccination are divided in 3 risk groups, i.e. those less than 60 y (y) with comorbidity and those 60 y and over with and without comorbidity. Those risk groups were also eligible for pandemic vaccination during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. We assessed tolerability of seasonal influenza vaccination and 2 doses of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) vaccine, adjuvanted with MF-59, administered 2 and 5 weeks after seasonal 2009-2010 vaccination among adults. Vaccinees were asked to return questionnaires on local and systemic adverse events (AEs) after each of 3 consecutive vaccinations given at the office of their General Practitioner. Sex- and risk group-specific AE-frequencies were calculated. Generalized Linear Mixed Model with seasonal vaccination as reference was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for AEs of the 2 pandemic doses. 5553 questionnaires (3251 vaccinees) were returned. Vaccinees reported any local AE after seasonal vaccination and both pandemic doses in 34%, 23%, and 18%, respectively. These percentages were 29%, 25%, and 16% for any systemic AE. Men reported fewer local and systemic AEs then women (p<0.0001). The risk of local (OR range 0.34-0.63) and systemic (OR range 0.39-0.99) AEs (overall, stratified by risk group and by sex) was lower after both pandemic doses compared to seasonal vaccination. This decreased risk was more pronounced after the second pandemic dose than after the first. Therefore, we conclude that MF59-adjuvanted pandemic vaccine given after seasonal vaccination was well tolerated.

Objectives: In 2009, the Dutch government advised pregnant women to get vaccinated against influenza A (H1N1). A study was set up to gain insight into vaccination coverage and reasons why pregnant women seek vaccination or not., Methods: We invited 14,529 pregnant women to complete an internet survey on vaccination during pregnancy in general and against 2009 influenza A (H1N1). Differences in background characteristics between unvaccinated and vaccinated women were investigated. Prediction analyses were carried out to determine which survey statement had the greatest impact on vaccination status or intention to get vaccinated during pregnancy., Results: Of the 2993 included respondents, 63% reported to be vaccinated against 2009 influenza A (H1N1). Vaccination coverage was higher among older birth cohorts, women who had been pregnant before, women with underlying medical conditions, and women who reported no defined 'life philosophy'. Protection of the child (after birth), the government's advice and possible harmful effects of the vaccine for the unborn child had the greatest predictive value for vaccination status. With regards vaccination during future pregnancies, 39% had a positive intention to obtain vaccination and 45% were neutral. The government's advice was the strongest predictor for intention. Furthermore, women expressed concern over lack of sufficient knowledge about vaccine safety., Conclusions: A considerable number of pregnant women in the Netherlands reported to be vaccinated against 2009 influenza A (H1N1). The challenge for the government in the future will be to provide pregnant women and health care professionals with sufficient and clear information about disease severity and the benefits and safety of vaccination., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

During the 2009 influenza pandemic, children aged 6 months up to and including 4 years, without chronic illness, were vaccinated with two doses of Pandemrix(®) through mass vaccination in the Netherlands. During the vaccination campaign a warning was issued about fever after the second dose of Pandemrix(®). Therefore, we investigated the tolerability of both doses Pandemrix(®) in these children. Among parents of children eligible for vaccination, 1500 questionnaires were distributed during both, the first and second mass vaccination session. We asked for the occurrence, time interval, and duration of local reactions and systemic adverse events (AEs). The responses were 36.7% and 29.5% after each dose, respectively. Local reactions were reported in 40.4% and 39.3%, most frequently, pain at the injection site. After the first and second dose, 29.6% and 30.7% of all children experienced fever (mean temperature 38.8{degree sign}C). Other systemic AEs were reported in 41.6% and 42.9% of the children. No differences were seen between the first and second dose for all reported AEs except for pallor. One child was hospitalized after the first dose, but a causal relation to the vaccination was considered improbable. In conclusion, fever was frequently reported in children 6 months up to and including 4 years of age after the first and second dose of Pandemrix(®). However, for almost all AEs, including fever, no dose effect was observed. Reported AEs were mostly mild and all were transient.