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Vaccination against polio should not be stopped
Konstantin Chumakov1, Ellie Ehrenfeld, Eckard Wimmer
1Konstantin Chumakov is at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA.
Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|October 30, 2007
Summary
The long decline in polio cases has stopped, requiring a reassessment of eradication strategies. Continued high population immunity is essential for future polio prevention.
Area of Science:
- * Epidemiology and Public Health
- * Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- * A 50-year decline in poliomyelitis incidence has recently stalled.
- * Current eradication strategies may be insufficient due to scientific and political challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To re-assess polio eradication and post-eradication campaign strategies.
- * To highlight the need for sustained population immunity against polio.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of polio incidence trends over the past 50 years.
- * Review of current polio eradication strategies in light of recent data and political realities.
Main Results:
- * The decline in poliomyelitis has halted in the last seven years.
- * Existing eradication plans may not be sustainable for long-term disease prevention.
Conclusions:
- * Urgent re-evaluation of polio eradication and post-eradication strategies is necessary.
- * Maintaining high population immunity against polio is crucial for the foreseeable future.
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