Prophylaxis of Viral Respiratory Infection with Aerosolized Vaccine

Abstract

Certain viruses, e.g. measles, influenza and varicella are transmitted by aerosols and hence aerosolized vaccine against the respective virus has potential immunologic merit. For measles vaccine the rationale is to circumvent the passively transmitted maternal antibody and therefore to be able to immunize at an early age before natural disease can occur. For influenza vaccine the rationale is to be able to provide immunity at the site of natural infection, and thus abort the very short incubation period infection. Studies with aerosolized measles vaccine have not convincingly demonstrated that aerosol vaccine is superior to subcutaneous vaccine but no studies of stability of aerosolized measles have been conducted nor has it been documented that the methods of aerosolization deliver vaccine to the deep respiratory tract. For influenza, no aerosolized vaccine studies have been conducted. Initial studies to test stability of virus under aerosol conditions which will deliver an appropriate sized particle have been carried out. The next step must now be taken.