Efficacy of cell culture-derived influenza vaccines for children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate whether cell culture-derived influenza vaccines are safe and effective in preventing influenza/flu in healthy children. Materials and Methods: Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and clinical trials were searched. Fourteen randomized controlled trials in children were selected. The current systematic review was done as per the PRISMA guidelines. The pooled estimate of seroconversion and geometric mean titer (GMT) rate was calculated as mean difference. Data were analyzed using the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Version software. Risk of bias was done as per Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of evidence was adjudged using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) using the GRADEpro software (GRADEpro GDT [Computer program], Hamilton (ON), McMaster University (developed by Evidence Prime). Results: Significant results for efficacy were reported for half-dose MF59 influenza vaccine control group for GMT at day 1 with a mean difference of 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50–1.07, P < 0.00001, as compared to full-dose MF59 influenza vaccine experimental group. No significant results were reported in half-dose MF59 influenza vaccine for GMT at day 43 (mean difference: 151.57, 95% CI, −29.36–332.50, P = 0.10). Significant results were reported for seroconversion rate for half-dose MF59 influenza vaccine control group at day 22 with a mean difference of 17.92, 95% CI, 10.08–25.75, P < 0.00001. Conclusion: The current systematic review demonstrated that half-dose cell-derived influenza vaccines were well tolerated and more immunogenic and resulted in high seroconversion rate and GMT rate in pediatric population.