Abstract
The first exposure to influenza is thought to impact subsequent immune responses later in life. The consequences of this can be seen during influenza epidemics and pandemics with differences in morbidity and mortality for different birth cohorts. There is a need for better understanding of how vaccine responses are affected by early exposures to influenza viruses. In this analysis of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody responses in two cohorts of military personnel we noticed differences related to age, sex, prior vaccination, deployment and birth year. These data suggest that HI antibody production, in response to influenza vaccination, is affected by these factors. The magnitude of this antibody response is associated with, among other factors, the influenza strain that circulated following birth.
Highlights
Inactivated influenza vaccines have been widely shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with influenza
Serum samples from military personnel are routinely collected upon entry to military service and at other times such as before and after deployment
Because the ratio of men to women is higher in the military, samples from women were identified first, followed by samples from men matched for timing of the second blood draw and age
Summary
Inactivated influenza vaccines have been widely shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with influenza. The level of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies correlated with protection has been established in several studies [1–4]. HA (Hemagglutination Assay) antibody levels to specific viruses don’t afford broad protection and have been shown to wane after vaccination [5]. Regular seasonal vaccination is known to boost HI antibodies to the vaccine strains but the observed increase is reduced with additional vaccinations and age [6–9]. The time taken for these antibodies to decrease to levels not associated with protection has not been well studied. Some studies have indicated the benefits of vaccination can extend into the following season [5,10–14]
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