Safety and Immunogenicity of Adjuvanted Reduced Dose Inactivated Polio Vaccine Given at 6, 10, 14 Weeks and 9 Months

The trial is a phase III, non-inferiority, observer-blind, randomised, controlled, multicentre clinical trial with 2 parallel groups: IPV-Al SSI (investigational vaccine) and IPV SSI (reference vaccine)

In addition to the trial vaccine (IPV-Al SSI or IPV SSI), the trial subjects will receive vaccinations with the Philippine national childhood vaccination programme. The trial vaccine (IPV-Al SSI or IPV SSI) is administered in the RIGHT thigh, where other injectable childhood vaccines are administered in the opposite (LEFT) thigh. There are 6 trial visits:

Visit 1 (screening, 1st vaccination and blood sampling visit): written informed consent is obtained. Information on medical history, demographics and concomitant medication is collected, a physical examination is performed and the subject's eligibility is assessed according to the pre-specified in-/exclusion criteria. A pre-vaccination blood sample is taken for polio antibody measurements, and the subject is randomly allocated into one of the 2 groups and vaccinated. If it is not possible to draw a blood sample on Visit 1 the child cannot continue in the trial. The subject is observed for immediate AEs ½ an hour after all vaccinations. A diary, a ruler and a thermometer are handed out to the parents to record daily the temperature and injection site reactions, during the first 3 days after the vaccinations until resolved and to record any AEs as instructed by the trial staff. 2 days after Visit 1 the trial staff will make a telephone call to the parent(s)/guardian(s) to clarify any questions regarding the AE recording in the diary.

Visit 2 (2nd vaccination visit), 28-42 days after Visit 1: contraindications are reviewed, the 2nd vaccination is given, the diary is collected and AEs and concomitant medications (CMs) are recorded. A new diary is handed out.

2 days after Visit 2 the trial staff will make a telephone call to the parent(s)/guardian(s) to clarify any questions regarding the AE recording in the diary.

Visit 3 (3rd vaccination visit), 28-42 days after Visit 2: contraindications are reviewed, the 3rd vaccination is given, the diary is collected and AEs and CMs are recorded. A new diary is handed out. 2 days after Visit 3 the trial staff will make a telephone call to the parent(s)/guardian(s) to clarify any questions regarding the AE recording in the diary.

Visit 4 (blood sample visit), 28-42 days after Visit 3: a blood sample for polio antibody measurements is taken, the diary is collected, and AEs and CMs are recorded.

Visit 5 (4th vaccination and blood sample visit), at 9 months of age (+14 days): a blood sample is taken for polio antibody measurements, contraindications are reviewed, the 4th vaccination is given, and AEs and CMs are recorded. A new diary is handed out. 2 days after Visit 5 the trial staff will make a telephone call to the parent(s)/guardian(s) to clarify any questions regarding the AE recording in the diary.

Visit 6 (blood sample and end of trial visit), 28-42 days after Visit 5: a blood sample for polio antibody measurements is taken, the diary is collected, and AEs and CMs are recorded. The end of trial form is completed.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Infants of 6 weeks of age (-3 to +14 days) on the date of the 1st vaccination
2. Healthy assessed from medical history and physical examination
3. Parent(s)/guardian(s) willing to let their infant follow the national Philippine childhood vaccination programme and schedule, in addition to let their infant receive the trial vaccine
4. Parent(s)/guardian(s) properly informed about the trial and has signed the informed consent form
5. Parent(s)/guardian(s) granting access to the infant's trial related medical records
6. Parent(s)/guardian(s) likely to comply with the trial procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Vaccinated with any polio vaccine other than the trial vaccines, prior to inclusion or planned during the trial
2. OPV vaccination or known exposure to poliovirus (wild or vaccine derived) in household (living together) within 3 months prior to inclusion or planned during the trial
3. Low birth weight (\< 2,500 g)
4. Known or suspected immunodeficiency (e.g. leukaemia, lymphoma) or family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency. HIV infection is not an exclusion criteria
5. Severe uncontrolled chronic (e.g. neurologic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal or endocrine) disease
6. Known or suspected allergy to vaccine constituents (e.g. hypersensitivity to formaldehyde, aluminium or 2-phenoxyethanol)
7. Uncontrolled coagulopathy or blood disorder contraindicating intramuscular injections or blood sampling
8. Treatment with a product which is likely to modify the immune response (e.g. blood products and immunoglobulins) prior to inclusion or planned during the trial
9. Participating in another clinical trial
10. Not suitable for inclusion in the opinion of the investigator