Περίληψη:
Varicella is a common viral disease affecting almost the entire birth
cohort. Although usually self-limiting, some cases of varicella can be
serious, with 2 to 6% of cases attending a general practice resulting
in complications. The hospitalisation rate for varicella in Europe
ranges from 1.3 to 4.5 per 100,000 population/year and up to 10.1% of
hospitalised patients report permanent or possible permanent sequelae
(for example, scarring or ataxia). However, in many countries the
epidemiology of varicella remains largely unknown or incomplete.
In countries where routine childhood vaccination against varicella has
been implemented, it has had a positive effect on disease prevention and
control. Furthermore, mathematical models indicate that this
intervention strategy may provide economic benefits for the individual
and society. Despite this evidence and recommendations for varicella
vaccination by official bodies such as the World Health Organization,
and scientific experts in the field, the majority of European countries
(with the exception of Germany and Greece) have delayed decisions on
implementation of routine childhood varicella vaccination, choosing
instead to vaccinate high-risk groups or not to vaccinate at all.
In this paper, members of the Working Against Varicella in Europe group
consider the practicalities of introducing routine childhood varicella
vaccination in Europe, discussing the benefits and challenges of
different vaccination options (vaccination vs. no vaccination, routine
vaccination of infants vs. vaccination of susceptible adolescents or
adults, two doses vs. one dose of varicella vaccine, monovalent
varicella vaccines vs. tetravalent measles, mumps, rubella and varicella
vaccines, as well as the optimal interval between two doses of measles,
mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines).
Assessment of the epidemiology of varicella in Europe and evidence for
the effectiveness of varicella vaccination provides support for routine
childhood programmes in Europe. Although European countries are faced
with challenges or uncertainties that may have delayed implementation of
a childhood vaccination programme, many of these concerns remain
hypothetical and with new opportunities offered by combined measles,
mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines, reassessment may be timely.
Συγγραφείς:
Bonanni, Paolo
Breuer, Judith
Gershon, Anne
Gershon, Michael
and Hryniewicz, Waleria
Papaevangelou, Vana
Rentier, Bernard and
Ruemke, Hans
Sadzot-Delvaux, Catherine
Senterre, Jacques and
Weil-Olivier, Catherine
Wutzler, Peter
