title: Evaluation of potential medical and economic benefits of universal rotavirus vaccination in Greece.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the potential benefits of introducing universal rotavirus (RV) vaccination in Greece.
  
  
  METHODS
  A decision analytic model was developed to compare the burden and cost of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) with and without a universal RV vaccination (88% vaccination coverage) for a cohort of children followed from birth until the age of five.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Universal RV vaccination would substantially decrease the RVGE burden on the National Health System by reducing RVGE-related hospitalizations/emergency visits and medical consultations by 83% and 75%, respectively. Total RVGE-related costs was estimated at about 7.6 M€ and would be reduced by 5.9 M€ (-78%) if RV vaccination was introduced. A rapid effect is expected with 76% of cases and 84% of costs avoided would be averted within 2 years postvaccine introduction. The societal benefit would also be significant: total annual number of RVGE cases and parent's lost work days would be reduced by 67% and 78%, respectively. Including indirect costs, the total disease cost reduction would be 9 M€.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Introduction of universal RV vaccination in Greece could offer considerable medical and economic benefits for the National Health System and society. Potential herd immunity would improve results in favour of vaccination.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Greece.
authors.forename: Vassiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Syriopoulou
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kafetzis
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Theodoridou
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Syrogiannopoulos
authors.forename: Stefanos
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mantagos
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Trimis
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mavrikou
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Konstantopoulos
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000191:economics*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018803:Models, Economic; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*
chemical_list: D022243:Rotavirus Vaccines