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Abstract. Persistence of antibody following immunization with groups A and C meningococcal polysaccharides was studied in two groups of children. Cohort 1 (20 children, 2 to 11 years of age) received two doses of A vaccine three years apart; cohort 2 (1,345 children, 6 to 8 years of age) received A or C vaccine initially and the heterologous vaccine one year later. No significant reactions were observed. Geometric mean anti-A concentrations one mouth after primary and booster immunizations in cohort 1 were 8.77 and 13.08 micro g/ml, respectively. Mean anti-A concentration declined 32% one year after booster immunization, but then stabilized. Mean anti-A and anti-C concentrations in cohort 2 were 9.35 and 9.12 micro g/ml, respectively, one month after primary immunization. Mean anti-A concentration declined to 5.54 and 3.62 micro g/ml while anti-C levels fell to 2.35 and 1.47 micro g/ml one and four years after immunization. The proportion of children in cohort 2 with Is greater than or equal to 2.0 micro g/ml of anti-A and anti-C four years after immunization were 80% and 40%, respectively. An antibody concentratiou Is greater than or equal 2.0 micro g/ ml has been associated with protection against meningococcal disease. The results suggest that routine immunization of young infants with group A vaccine may result in longlasting immunity. The usefulness of the presently available group C vaccine appears to be limited to the control of epidemics. Pediatrics 60:673-680, 1977, MENINGOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE, ANTIBODY PERSISTENCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Updates the information and recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics on the use of haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines for children in the United States. Incidence of the haemophilus disease before the introduction of immunization; Dosage recommendations; Administration of the vaccine.

Focuses on the effects of reactions following measles immunization in children on personal or family history of seizures. Recommendations for children who have personal or family history of seizures; Description of the seizures; Information on the use of measles immunoglobulin for children.