Impact of Routine Varicella Immunization on Varicella Ambulatory Visits in a Tertiary Hospital in Athens, Greece

Papaevangelou Vassiliki, Douros Konstantinos, Mavrikou Myrsini, Iliopoulou Anna, Tsolia Maria
2016 Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases  
The impact of routine varicella immunization on the incidence of varicella infection among children in Greece has not been evaluated. The rates of varicella infection ambulatory visits between 1.1.1998 to 31.12.2014 was studied. The incidence rates were calculated based on the total number of emergency department attendances during each year of the study period and interrupted time series analysis was performed. Furthermore, changes among Greek and minority children were compared. Introduction
more » ... f varicella vaccination in 2004 had a significant effect on varicella and an annual decease of varicella ambulatory visits at a rate of -7.30 (CI= -13.30, -1.29, p=0.02) was observed. Ambulatory visits decreased significantly more among Greek children when compared to minority children. In conclusion, following the introduction of routine varicella immunization, the rate of varicella ambulatory visits has decreased notably among children in Greece. However, further decrease among underserved minority groups should be achieved.
doi:10.15761/cmid.1000115 fatcat:fug5obpdvfduhgcnryspikotvi