Rotavirus vaccination in Brazil: effectiveness and health impact seven years post-introduction

Before vaccine introduction in Brazil, rotavirus caused approximately 650,000 outpatient visits, 92,000 hospitalizations and 850 deaths annually among children aged <5 years. Brazil was one of the first countries to introduce rotavirus vaccination into the National Immunisation Program (NIP), in 2006, but estimated coverage (87.1%) for 2011 remained lower if compared with other routine immunizations (95%). Case-control studies reached effectiveness rates as high as 85%. Observational studies showed a significant reduction in gastroenteritis-related hospitalizations and deaths among children aged <1 year, at rates as high as 48 and 54%, respectively. There was a significant increase in the relative prevalence of G2P[4] genotype after vaccine introduction, reaching 100% of strains in some settings. A small increase in intussusception incidence was seen within 1 week following the second vaccine dose, but benefits far outweigh any potential risk. This article provides an in-depth review of postlicensure studies conducted in Brazil 7-year postintroduction.