BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- The first clinical trial of the H1N1 influenza vaccine in human immunodeficiency virus-infected pregnant women has begun, U.S. officials said.
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said a similar trial will begin in HIV-infected children and youth next week.
"These studies are important because HIV infection and pregnancy both increase the risk for a poor immune response to the normal 15-microgram dose of seasonal influenza vaccine given to the general population," Fauci said in a statement. "Moreover, children, young people and pregnant women are at higher risk for more severe illness from the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus than other groups, and HIV-infected individuals in these populations may be particularly vulnerable."
One trial will enroll 130 HIV-infected pregnant women ages 18-39, who are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. The other trial will enroll 140 children and youth ages 4-24 infected with HIV at birth.