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[Decrease in the incidence of chickenpox in the Community of Madrid after universal childhood immunization. Years
Luis García Comas1, Pello Latasa Zamalloa1, Guadalupe Alemán Vega1
1Servicio de Epidemiología, Subdirección de Epidemiología, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Comunidad de Madrid, Madrid, España.
Atencion Primaria
|April 24, 2017
Summary
The varicella vaccine significantly reduced chickenpox cases and hospitalizations in Madrid. However, incidence increased after the vaccination recommendation was withdrawn, highlighting the importance of sustained immunization programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The Community of Madrid (CM) recommended the varicella vaccine for children at 15 months of age from November 2006 to December 2013.
- Understanding the long-term impact of this vaccination program on varicella incidence is crucial for public health policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the impact of the varicella vaccination program on the incidence of varicella in the Community of Madrid between 2001 and 2015.
- To analyze trends in varicella cases and hospital admissions by age and sex following vaccine recommendation.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted using data from the Sentinel Physician Network of the CM and the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) for hospital discharges.
- Calculated total incidence of varicella cases and hospital admissions.
- Analyzed incidence rates stratified by age and sex.
Main Results:
- Varicella incidence decreased by 94.0% between 2012-2013 compared to 2001-2003.
- Hospital admissions due to varicella showed a decreasing trend, with the highest rates in infants (0-1 year) and young children (1-4 years).
- Incidence rose by 61.8% between 2014-2015 compared to 2012-2013, following the withdrawal of the vaccination recommendation.
Conclusions:
- The varicella vaccination program at 15 months led to a significant reduction in varicella cases and hospitalizations across all age groups.
- The observed increase in incidence after the recommendation withdrawal suggests a waning of herd immunity and underscores the importance of consistent vaccination policies.
- The findings support the effectiveness of a single-dose varicella vaccination schedule in achieving substantial population immunity.