By Veronique LaCapra, St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis University is participating in a study to determine the best flu vaccine dose for young children.
Currently, children between 6 and 35 months of age receive a dose of 0.25 ml - half the dose given to older children and adults.
But SLU lead researcher Dr. Edwin Anderson says no study has ever been done to show that young children should get a lower dose.
The flu vaccine trial will test the safety and efficacy of giving the full vaccine dose to babies. Anderson does not expect to see an increase in side effects, and says the higher dose could provide better immunity.
SLU is one of several institutions participating in this research, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
As many as 25 young volunteers will participate at the Saint Louis University site.
In another study, SLU researchers will look at the flu vaccine's ability to protect pregnant women and newborns.
More information about these clinical trials is available at clinicaltrials.gov.