title: Rotavirus vaccines: considerations for successful implementation in Europe.
abstract: A group of European experts in infectious diseases and vaccinology has met on several occasions to assess the rationale for universal vaccination against rotavirus infection of infants in Europe. On the basis of the available data, we concluded that vaccination was the best approach to prevent severe rotavirus gastroenteritis, and that European countries should consider implementing rotavirus vaccination in their routine immunisation programmes. The main barrier to the implementation of rotavirus vaccination in Europe is a general lack of awareness of stakeholders, policymakers, health-care professionals, and parents about rotavirus disease and the advantages of vaccination. Further studies on the cost of the disease and the benefit of vaccination, together with raising awareness are necessary steps to ensure successful implementation of rotavirus vaccination in Europe.
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, Belgium. Pierre.VanDamme@ua.ac.be
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Damme
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van der Wielen
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ansaldi
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Desgrandchamps
authors.forename: Javier Diez
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Domingo
authors.forename: Francisco Gimenez
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haditsch
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Johansen
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lorgelly
authors.forename: Mathie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lorrot
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Parez
authors.forename: Volkmar
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Reschke
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rose
mesh_terms: D005060:Europe; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines