Unexpected Benefits of Rotavirus Vaccination in the United States
Key result
The US rotavirus vaccination program led to a 78% reduction in rotavirus hospitalizations among infants and a 71% reduction among unvaccinated older children, demonstrating a strong herd effect.
Why the study?
Does the introduction of rotavirus vaccination reduce hospitalizations for rotavirus and unspecified diarrhea across different age groups in the US?
Population
Children and adults in the United States, based on a database covering approximately 20% of all US hospital…
Comparison
Introduction of rotavirus vaccine for routine… vs Prevaccination years (2000-2006)
Design
Editorial
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
The introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in the US led to a dramatic, unanticipated reduction in rotavirus hospitalizations not only in vaccinated infants but also in older, unvaccinated children and adults due to herd immunity.
Structured PICO
Does the introduction of rotavirus vaccination reduce hospitalizations for rotavirus and unspecified diarrhea across different age groups in the US?
P
Population
Children and adults (0 to 24 years of age, and older adults) in the United States, based on a database covering approximately 20% of all US hospital admissions.
E
Exposure
Introduction of rotavirus vaccine for routine immunization of children (starting in 2006)
C
Comparator
Prevaccination years (2000-2006)
O
Outcome
Hospital discharges coded for diarrhea due to rotavirus or for any unspecified causehard clinical
Main Result
Effect estimate: 78% reduction
The introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in the US led to a dramatic, unanticipated reduction in rotavirus hospitalizations not only in vaccinated infants but also in older, unvaccinated children and adults due to herd immunity.
Limitations
- Potential confounding by low rates of diarrhea in older children
- Lack of gender breakdown to assess impact on female caregivers
- Lack of gender breakdown of cases to assess impact on mothers/female caregivers
Cite This Study
Roger I. Glass (2011) conducted an editorial in Rotavirus diarrhea. Rotavirus vaccination program vs. Prevaccination period (2000-2006) was evaluated on Hospital discharges coded for diarrhea due to rotavirus (78% reduction). The US rotavirus vaccination program led to a 78% reduction in rotavirus hospitalizations among infants and a 71% reduction among unvaccinated older children, demonstrating a strong herd effect.