Vaccine
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A live-attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine, demonstrated to reduce the incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and the morbidity associated with incident HZ and its sequelae, has recently been approved for use in the United States (U.S.). ⋯ The zoster vaccine at a price of US$ 150 is likely to be cost-effective for a cohort of immunocompetent U.S. vaccine recipients aged >or=60 years using commonly cited thresholds for judging cost-effectiveness. Conclusions are robust over plausible ranges of input parameter values and a broad range of scenarios and age cohorts.
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Transcutaneous immunisation (TCI) using a skin patch is a non-invasive vaccination route relevant to mass vaccination against infectious diseases. This phase I/II clinical study, documents that TCI of human adult volunteers with the live-attenuated measles vaccine ROUVAX((R)) is safe and poorly reactogenic. ⋯ However, in contrast to the subcutaneous route, TCI failed to evoke neutralising MV-specific serum antibodies. Thus, alternative delivery methods and/or devices providing optimal uptake by skin DC should be considered for live-attenuated virus vaccines, such as the measles vaccine.
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In a population-based study, we use ICD-9-CM codes to estimate the hospitalization rates for pneumococcal disease among young children in Hong Kong, 2000-2005 and the preventable burden using several outcome indicators. For children aged
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Using WHO-CHOICE methodology, we calculated cost-utility ratios for various interventions (PAP smear, HPV-DNA testing, VIA and vaccination against HPV) at various frequencies to reduce the burden of cervical cancer and condyloma (in the case of the HPV vaccination) in Israel, which has a low prevalence of cervical cancer. Assuming non-waning efficacy, HPV vaccinations will become cost-effective, very cost-effective and cost saving when the cost per dose falls below $96.85, $50.42 and $27.20, respectively. Attempts should be made to raise compliancy with PAP smears from the current opportunistic 12.2-20.0% per annum either before and/or after the vaccination is introduced.
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During a mass campaign with a newly licensed meningococcal polysaccharide ACW135 vaccine in Burkina Faso, adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were monitored up to 4 weeks after the campaign. Eighty-six AEFI cases (5.9 cases per 100,000 vaccine doses distributed) were reported. ⋯ In a setting with no prior surveillance system, adverse events were reported at rates comparable to documented rates for meningococcal polysaccharide vaccines in other settings. The findings confirm the benefits of the vaccine in the control of meningococcal meningitis.