Hepatitis A vaccines.
The global disease burden associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) is expected to increase in the coming years due to a shift in the epidemiological pattern of the disease. A decrease in the prevalence of natural immunity is leading to an increased number of adolescents and adults susceptible to a disease that is associated with greater morbidity, mortality and treatment costs in older-age groups. Current HAV vaccines have been shown to be safe, highly immunogenic and confer long-lasting protection against HAV disease. Vaccine-induced antibodies persist for more than 12 years in vaccinated adults and mathematical modeling predicts antibody persistence for more than 25 years in over 95% of vaccine recipients. However, the cost of HAV vaccines has been prohibitive for some countries. Recent studies in countries with transitioning HAV endemicity indicate that the cost-benefit ratio of mass vaccination against HAV would be similar to other routine childhood vaccinations.
Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of Munich, Germany, Leopoldstrasse 5, D-80802 Munich, Germany. nothdurft@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
Hans Dieter
HD
Nothdurft
D000328:Adult; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D032541:Mass Vaccination; D014195:Travel; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods*
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines