title: Varicella vaccination in Europe: are we ready for a universal childhood programme?
abstract: Safe and effective vaccines against varicella zoster virus (VZV), the aetiological agent of varicella and shingles, have been available in Europe for the last 5-10 years. The USA has had a universal childhood vaccination policy since 1995 and this has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the incidence, morbidity and mortality related to varicella. The economic and medical burden of VZV has led to discussions regarding both the desirability and feasibility of a similar routine immunisation policy for all European children. This article examines the epidemiology of varicella in Europe and how the data emerging from the USA can be used to achieve adequate prevention of the disease. It looks into the current evidence of the health economic evaluation of universal varicella vaccination and explores the concerns surrounding such a policy, including the postulated impact on the incidence of zoster. In conclusion, the Society of Independent European Vaccination Experts (SIEVE) recommends that the immunisation of susceptible adolescents needs to be urgently implemented, in addition to the current recommendations targeting high-risk patients, their close contacts with a negative history of varicella and seronegative health-care workers. A universal policy, optimally incorporating a two-dose schedule, will be needed to finally reduce the burden of disease of varicella from a societal point of view. The SIEVE recommends the implementation of such a policy as soon as financially and practically possible.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Child Health, Royal London Hospital, 38 New Road, Whitechapel, London, E1 2AX, UK. n.sengupta@qmul.ac.uk
authors.forename: Nitu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sengupta
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Booy
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: Heikki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Peltola
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van-Damme
authors.forename: R Fabian
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: Magda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campins
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodrigo
authors.forename: Terho
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Heikkinen
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seward
authors.forename: Aisha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jumaan
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Finn
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Olcén
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Thiry
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weil-Olivier
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Breuer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006291:Health Policy; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007223:Infant; D008962:Models, Theoretical
chemical_list: D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine