Rotavirus vaccines: considerations for successful implementation in Europe.
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.
Van Damme
Pierre
P
Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, University of Antwerp, Belgium. Pierre.VanDamme@ua.ac.be
Van der Wielen
Marie
M
Ansaldi
Filippo
F
Desgrandchamps
Daniel
D
Domingo
Javier Diez
JD
Sanchez
Francisco Gimenez
FG
Gray
Jim
J
Haditsch
Martin
M
Johansen
Kari
K
Lorgelly
Paula
P
Lorrot
Mathie
M
Parez
Nathalie
N
Reschke
Volkmar
V
Rose
Markus
M
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*
D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines