Considerations on the Current Universal Vaccination Policy against Hepatitis A in Greece after Recent Outbreaks

摘要: Greece is the only European Union member state that in 2008 included hepatitis A (HAV) vaccine routine national childhood immunization program (NCIP). Given resources allocated to public health have dramatically decreased since and a low endemicity country for disease, benefit from universal vaccination has been questioned. The aim of this paper summarize available epidemiological data disease 1982-2013, discuss effects on morbidity. Descriptive analysis, ARIMA modeling time series intervention analysis were conducted using surveillance acute HAV. decreasing trend HAV notification rate over years was identified (p<0.001). However, (~ 80% coverage children) had no significant effect annual number reported cases (p = 0.261) resulted progressive increase average age infection general population. mean before inclusion NCIP (24.1 years, SD 1.5) significantly lower than after (31.7 2.1) In last decade, one third all Roma (a population accounting 1.5% country’s total population) 2013 three outbreaks with 16, 9 25 respectively, recorded, indicating effectiveness current strategy group. Data suggest may need be re-considered. Probably more cost effective approach would implement will include: a) high risk groups, b) children improving conditions at camps, c) education travel advice, d) enhancement control measures safety shellfish other foods.