Comparative immunogenicity of recombinant influenza hemagglutinin (rHA) and trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) among persons ≥65 years old

Alternative substrates for influenza vaccine production are needed to ensure adequate supplies. We evaluated the relative safety and immunogenicity of recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) or trivalent inactivated vaccine (TIV) among 869 ≥65-year-old subjects in a randomized clinical trial. Virologic surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) was conducted during the 2006–2007 epidemic. Vaccines were well tolerated. Seroconversion rates vs. influenza A/H1N1 and H3N2 antigens were superior in the rHA group, but were inferior vs. influenza B; however, results for influenza B are confounded since the vaccine antigens were different. ILI frequencies were low and similar in both groups. Studies assessing relative immunogenicity of vaccines using identical B Ags are warranted.