Indirect protection from vaccinating children against influenza in households

Tim K. Tsang, Vicky J. Fang, Dennis K. M. Ip, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, Hau Chi So, Gabriel M. Leung, J. S. Malik Peiris, Benjamin J. Cowling () and Simon Cauchemez
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Tim K. Tsang: The University of Hong Kong
Vicky J. Fang: The University of Hong Kong
Dennis K. M. Ip: The University of Hong Kong
Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera: The University of Hong Kong
Hau Chi So: The University of Hong Kong
Gabriel M. Leung: The University of Hong Kong
J. S. Malik Peiris: The University of Hong Kong
Benjamin J. Cowling: The University of Hong Kong
Simon Cauchemez: Institut Pasteur

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Vaccination is an important intervention to prevent influenza virus infection, but indirect protection of household members of vaccinees is not fully known. Here, we analyze a cluster household randomized controlled trial, with one child in each household randomized to receive influenza vaccine or placebo, for an influenza B epidemic in Hong Kong. We apply statistical models to estimate household transmission dynamics and quantify the direct and indirect protection of vaccination. Direct vaccine efficacy was 71%. The infection probability of unvaccinated household members in vaccinated households was only 5% lower than in control households, because only 10% of infections are attributed to household transmission. Even when that proportion rises to 30% and all children are vaccinated, we predict that the infection probability for unvaccinated household members would only be reduced by 20%. This suggests that benefits of individual vaccination remain important even when other household members are vaccinated.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08036-6

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