title: Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of varicella vaccine programmes based on an observational survey in the Latium region of Italy.
abstract: Varicella is the most widespread childhood disease in Italy. However, as in many parts of the world, the country does not yet have a unified approach to the management of the disease. A cost-effectiveness analysis of varicella vaccination strategies, using the Latium region in Italy as a case study, was undertaken. Mass vaccination is only recommended if the immunization programme can achieve coverage of over 85% in a short time. However, experience in Italy with non-compulsory vaccinations has shown this is difficult to achieve. Consequently, eradication of the disease is not seen as an attainable short-term goal. For mass varicella vaccination to be successful, it must be run at a national as well as regional level in combination with education programmes, and a reliable surveillance system. The interaction between varicella and herpes zoster must also be taken into account when considering vaccination strategies, as zoster vaccination strategies may have an impact on varicella coverage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Leonardo Emberti
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Gialloreti
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Divizia
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pica
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Volpi
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000191:economics; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000191:economics; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000191:economics; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination / Q000191:economics*; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D014765:Viral Vaccines; D000212:Acyclovir