Monitoring impact and effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination

Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in children <5 years of age globally. Since 2009, the WHO has recommended inclusion of rotavirus vaccine in the national immunization programs of all countries. Data regarding rotavirus vaccine impact and effectiveness under conditions of routine use are important for encouraging countries to implement vaccination programs. In the absence of a national rotavirus vaccination program in France, the IVANHOE study was initiated to determine the real-world impact and effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine following introduction in a limited geographic area. This study found a twofold reduction in rotavirus hospitalizations among children <2 years of age who were age-eligible to receive rotavirus vaccine and a 98% vaccine effectiveness, highlighting the health benefits of a vaccination program.