Global impact of varicella vaccination programs. Issue 3 (4th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varela, Fernanda Hammes; Pinto, Leonardo Araújo; Scotta, Marcelo Comerlato
• Is Part Of: Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics. Volume 15:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 645
• Page End: 657
• Publication Date: 2019-03-04
• Subjects: Chickenpox -- Varicella Zoster Virus -- Chickenpox Vaccine -- Immunization Programs -- Herpes Zoster; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1546525
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-5515

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Although varicella is usually a mild and self-limited disease, complications can occur. In 1998, the World Health Organization recommended varicella vaccination for countries where the disease has a significant public health burden. Nonetheless, concerns about a shift in the disease to older groups, an increase in herpes zoster in the elderly and cost-effectiveness led many countries to postpone universal varicella vaccine introduction. In this review, we summarize the accumulating evidence, available mostly from high and middle-income countries supporting a high impact of universal vaccination in reductions of the incidence of the disease and hospitalizations and its cost-effectiveness. We have also observed the effect of herd immunity and noted that there is no definitive and consistent association between vaccination and the increase in herpes zoster incidence in the elderly.