Reduction in rotavirus-associated acute XXXX following introduction of rotavirus vaccine into Australia's National Childhood vaccine schedule.

@entity1 @entity697 @entity1902 @entity1200 @entity10718
INTRODUCTION: : Rotavirus vaccines were introduced into the funded Australian @entity1200 ( @entity1200 ) in July 2007. Due to purchasing arrangements, individual states and territories chose either a 2-dose RV1 (Rotarix, GSK) regimen or 3-dose RV5 (Rotateq, Merck/ @entity10718 ) regimen. This allowed comparison of both vaccines in similar populations with high @entity1 vaccination coverage. METHODS: : Admission and rotavirus identification data from the major pediatric hospitals in 3 states (2 using RV5, 1 RV1), together with state-based hospitalization and vaccination data from Queensland (RV5) were analyzed for the years before, and up to 30 months following rotavirus vaccine introduction. Emergency encounters and short-stay unit admissions for @entity1902 are also described. RESULTS: : Rotavirus vaccine coverage in Australia is high, with 87% of @entity1 receiving at least 1 dose. Hospital admissions for both @entity1902 and nonrotavirus-coded @entity1902 were reduced following vaccine introduction in all states, not only for the age group eligible for @entity1200 rotavirus vaccination, but also for @entity1 born prior. RV5 vaccine efficacy in Queensland has been estimated at 89.3%. Marked reductions in @entity697 presentations and short-stay unit admissions have also been observed. CONCLUSIONS: : Early evidence from the @entity1200 in Australia has demonstrated high rotavirus coverage with both RV1 and RV5. The introduction of both vaccines has been associated with a marked reduction in @entity1902 admissions, supportive of both direct vaccine protection, as well as with indirect herd protection.
