[Influenza immunization, clinical results and serological tests (author's transl)]

Abstract

207 patients of a geriatric department were immunized against influenza with either tween-ether-split-vaccine or subunit-vaccine in a double blind study. For 6 months the following data were daily registered: rest in bed, fever over 38,5 degrees C, rhinitis, laryngopharingitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, enteritis, medication with antibiotics or chemotherapeutics. In cases with fever over 38,5 degrees C blood tests were taken for serological examination. The immune response against influenza A was excellent in both groups, the titer was higher in the subunit group, only one patient showed influenza infection. The immune response against the type B Hongkong was not satisfactory in both groups. The clinical data showed a significant lower incidence of rhinitis, laryngopharingitis and bronchitis in the group immunized with the tween-ether-split-vaccine. This effect was more distinct within the first 3 months after the immunization than within the second 3 months.