Nonspecific effects of childhood immunization
GACVS had received a series of published and unpublished epidemiological studies dealing with the nonspecific and, in some cases, potentially adverse effects of diphtheria–tetanus –pertussis (DTP), measles and bacille Calmette- Guérin (BCG) vaccines on morbidity and mortality in children in the developing world. The issue has been the subject of previous deliberations and review by GACVS.3 A small team, the majority of whose members will come from outside GACVS to ensure independence from earlier deliberations, will be asked to review the latest information, concentrating initially on the potential adverse and nonspecific effects of DTP in childhood immunization. The review will be convened early in 2004, to report back to GACVS at its June 2004 meeting. This review will be included in a broader and more general research, clinical and theoretical assessment to define whether perturbation of the immune system by infant immunization may occur and whether this might be deleterious in certain circumstances.