title: Methodology and measurement of the effectiveness of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine: systematic review.
abstract: The use of the highly effective Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine has increased globally. We review the benefits and limitations of studies measuring Hib vaccine effectiveness (VE). We critically examine the case-control approach by assessing the similarities and differences in methodology and findings and discuss the need for future Hib VE studies. In the absence of good surveillance data, vaccine effectiveness studies can play an important role, particularly with the increasing use of pneumococcal vaccine that has not been well tested under field conditions in less developed countries. However, the effectiveness of Hib vaccine has been well documented so the need for future VE Hib studies is minimal.
authors.affiliation: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. rosoloughlin@gmail.com
authors.forename: Rosalyn E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: O'Loughlin
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Edmond
authors.forename: Punam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mangtani
authors.forename: Adam L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Sharmila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.forename: Rana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hajjeh
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mulholland
mesh_terms: D016667:Bacterial Capsules / Q000276:immunology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D018073:Haemophilus Vaccines; C044237:Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide vaccine; D018074:Vaccines, Conjugate