INTRODUCTION: Although
routine childhood immunisations are known to prevent severe diseases
there is an ongoing discussion on possible side effects in later life.
In this paper we investigated the association of Haemophilus influenzae
type b (Hib)-vaccination and atopic diseases and allergic sensitisation
in children in Eastern Germany. METHODS: From 1998-1999 a
cross-sectional survey of school children aged 5 to 14 years on
long-term health effects of air pollution was conducted in three regions
of Eastern Germany. Atopic outcome was defined by parental reporting of
wheezing and doctor's diagnosed asthma (including asthma-like
bronchitis), hay fever and eczema. Specific serum IgE against 5
aeroallergens were analysed by RAST-technique. Vaccination status was
assessed by vaccination records from the respective local health
authorities. Analysis is restricted to 1943 children with complete
information on age, gender, place of residence, parental education and
1676 children with available blood data. RESULTS: Lifetime prevalence
were 4.9% for asthma, 21.1% for wheezing, 6.6% for hay fever, 11.4% for
eczema. 32% of the children had at least one specific IgE RAST>0.
Hib-vaccination coverage was 42 % overall, 93 % in 5-7 yr olds, 59 % in
8-10 yr olds and 11 % in 11-14 yr olds. Odds Ratios adjusted for age,
gender, place of residence, and parental education were 1.86 (1.05-3.32)
for asthma, 1.55 (0.95-2.54) for hay fever, 1.03 (0.70-1.50) for eczema
and 1.25 (0.94-1.67) for at least 1 specific IgE RAST>0. CONCLUSION:
We found little evidence for an association between Hib-vaccination and
some atopic outcomes and causality cannot be ascertained. Our findings
do not give sufficient support to question the value of Hib vaccination
given the substantial contribution of mass immunisations to public
health. Specific research on possible long-term effects of vaccines is
needed to enable final conclusions on this topic.