The immunogenicity and safety of a new combined diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis booster vaccine (Td-eIPV).

In view of the continuing risk of contracting tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis, and the well-documented decline in immunity with time, the need for booster vaccinations is substantial. The immunogenicity and safety of a new combined booster vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis (REVAXIS) developed by Pasteur Mérieux Connaught (Lyon, France) were evaluated in four clinical studies. This vaccine (Td-eIPV) combines an adsorbed tetanus toxoid and low-dose diphtheria toxoid vaccine (Td) with an enhanced, inactivated polio vaccine against poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3 (eIPV). In 256 healthy young adults, a single dose of Td-eIPV was shown to be immunogenic, eliciting antibody levels considered protective against disease for each vaccine component in > or = 99.6% of the subjects. In 112 healthy older subjects (> 40 years of age), two doses of Td-eIPV elicited seroprotective levels of antibodies in 94% of the subjects for diphtheria, and in all subjects for tetanus and poliovirus types 1, 2 and 3. Safety data from all 368 subjects, as well as 31 phase I volunteers and 1,742 subjects included in a safety study, reveal that the vaccine is safe. Most reactions were predictable, temporary and mild. There was no evidence that the vaccine was associated with any clinically serious event or modification of clinical laboratory parameters. The data reviewed here show that Td-eIPV is immunogenic and safe when administered as a booster vaccination in healthy adults of all ages.