Global age distribution of pediatric norovirus cases. Issue 33 (7th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shioda, Kayoko; Kambhampati, Anita; Hall, Aron J.; Lopman, Ben A.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 33:Issue 33(2015)
• Page Start: 4065
• Page End: 4068
• Publication Date: 2015-08-07
• Subjects: Norovirus -- Gastroenteritis -- Age distribution -- Vaccines -- Vaccine -- Socioeconomic factors; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.05.051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Abstract: Norovirus is increasingly recognized as a major cause of acute gastroenteritis among children <5 years of age. We searched for publications that reported detailed age distributions of pediatric norovirus cases, and assessed associations between age distribution and socio-demographic factors to identify the most critical age periods to prevent norovirus cases among young children. Approximately 70% of pediatric norovirus cases occurred between 6 and 23 months of age. A younger age distribution was found in lower income countries and inpatient settings. These findings suggest that a norovirus immunization schedule completed by 6 months could have the potential to prevent about 85% of pediatric cases, while a vaccine delivered at 12 months of age would only have the potential to prevent about 50% of pediatric cases. With a younger age distribution in lower income settings, early prevention would be even more critical.