Vaccines may have non-specific effects in developing countries

Although studies have found that vaccination against measles may have a non-specific beneficial effect in developing countries, the effect of other routine immunisations has not been assessed. On p 1435 Kristensen et al examined the mortality in vaccinated and unvaccinated children in rural Guinea-Bissau. Both BCG and measles vaccines were associated with reductions in mortality that could not be explained by the prevention of measles or tuberculosis. Polio and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines were associated with higher mortality. Since different vaccines were associated with opposite tendencies, selection biases are unlikely to explain these associations fully. The authors conclude that non-specific effects may occur with many routine vaccinations in areas with high mortality and should be considered when planning immunisation programmes.

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Relevant Article

Routine vaccinations and child survival: follow up study in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa • Commentary: an unexpected finding that needs confirmation or rejection

Ines Kristensen, Peter Aaby, Henrik Jensen, and Paul Fine
BMJ 2000 321: 1435. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]