Global impact of varicella vaccination programs
Fernanda Hammes Varela1, Leonardo Araújo Pinto1, Marcelo Comerlato Scotta1
1a Centro Infant, Department of Pediatrics , School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) , Porto Alegre , Rio Grande do Sul state , Brazil.
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
|November 15, 2018
Summary
Universal varicella vaccination significantly reduces disease incidence and hospitalizations, proving cost-effective. Evidence does not consistently link vaccination to increased herpes zoster in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) is typically mild but can cause complications.
- The World Health Organization recommended varicella vaccination in 1998.
- Concerns regarding disease shifts, herpes zoster incidence, and cost-effectiveness delayed vaccine adoption in many nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the impact of universal varicella vaccination.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness of widespread varicella immunization.
- To examine the relationship between vaccination and herpes zoster in older populations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing scientific literature.
- Analysis of data primarily from high and middle-income countries.
- Evaluation of epidemiological trends and economic impact studies.
Main Results:
- Universal varicella vaccination demonstrates a substantial reduction in disease incidence and hospitalizations.
- Vaccination programs are shown to be cost-effective.
- No consistent association was found between varicella vaccination and increased herpes zoster incidence in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Universal varicella vaccination is highly impactful and cost-effective.
- Herd immunity contributes to disease reduction.
- Current evidence does not support a link between varicella vaccination and increased adult herpes zoster.
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