Herd immunity from meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccination in England: database analysis

摘要: In November 1999, the United Kingdom introduced routine meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccination for infants. The vaccine was also offered to everyone aged under 18 years in a phased catch-up programme.1 first be vaccinated were adolescents, and entire programme completed by end of 2000. On basis direct protection provided vaccine, 1 2 this likely cost effective.3 Maiden et al described 67% reduction (from 0.45% 0.15%) prevalence nasopharyngeal carriage meningococci adolescents before after programme.4 A fall would expected reduce exposure among unvaccinated children therefore enhance effectiveness vaccine. We present rates disease provide evidence an indirect effect from vaccine. Since December 1999 we have investigated history all cases …