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RotaTeq reduces RV gastroenteritis hospitalizations in Finnish children
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Since the advent of universal RotaTeq vaccination in Finland in 2009, data have indicated a 90% reduction in pediatric hospitalizations for rotavirus acute gastroenteritis and no resurgence after 5 years, according to recent data.
“With a high [rotavirus (RV)] vaccination coverage in Finland, a dramatic reduction of RV acute gastroenteritis [RVGE] has been observed, as in Belgium,” Maria Hemming-Harlo, MD, PhD, of the vaccine research center at the University of Tampere in Finland, and colleagues wrote. “With lower vaccine coverage in the U.S. (about 75%), the overall protection has been about 84% against severe RVGE.”
Before RotaTeq (RV5, Merck) was introduced into Finland’s National Immunization Program (NIP) in September 2009, the researchers collected data from a survey of children, aged no older than 16 years, with acute gastroenteritis who either visited EDs or were hospitalized between 2006 and 2008. Stool samples were assessed for acute gastroenteritis by RT-PCR assays for positive samples of rotavirus and norovirus. Cases of RVGE then were compared with data during the study periods from 2009 to 2011 and from 2012 to 2014.
Analysis showed that RVGE in all cases of acute gastroenteritis decreased from 52% of cases before the introduction of RV5 to 26% (P < .001) during the first assessed intervention period and then to 12% (P < .001) of cases for 2012 to 2014. Compared with the pre-NIP years for RVGE hospitalizations and outpatient visits, cases declined by 90%, and all acute gastroenteritis cases were reduced by 59%. Norovirus occurred in 34% of acute gastroenteritis cases between 2009 and 2011 and 29% of cases for the later period.
“We conclude that with a high vaccine coverage of RV vaccination a sustained impact without resurgence of RV activity can be achieved, in contrast to the biennial RV activity in the U.S.,” Hemming-Harlo and colleagues wrote. “Similarly, in countries with a high vaccine coverage similar to that in Finland (about 90%), such as Australia, Austria and Belgium, no major resurgence of RV activity has been observed.” – by Kate Sherrer
Disclosure: Hemming-Harlo reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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