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- Title
The epidemiology of varicella in school-aged Greek children before the implementation of universal vaccination.
- Authors
Katsafadou, A.; Ferentinos, G.; Constantopoulos, A.; Papaevangelou, V.
- Abstract
Data on local epidemiology is necessary when deciding on the introduction of a vaccine. Parents of children attending 1st and 6th grades completed a questionnaire on demographical data and varicella history. Analyzing 70,226 questionnaires, varicella was reported in 63.6% and 78.6% of 1st and 6th grade children, respectively (mean age 4.75 years), indicating that a quarter of children entering adolescence are susceptible. Children attending day care and children with older siblings had contracted chickenpox at a younger age. In conclusion, in Greece, in addition to introducing universal varicella vaccination, it is necessary to identify older children at risk and offer catchup vaccination.
- Subjects
GREECE; EPIDEMIOLOGY; ETIOLOGY of diseases; CHICKENPOX; PUBLIC health; IMMUNIZATION
- Publication
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2008, Vol 27, Issue 3, p223
- ISSN
0934-9723
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10096-007-0418-x