What's next for the hepatitis A vaccine?

摘要

In October, 2005, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended routine hepatitis A vaccination for all children nationwide. The decision was supported by epidemiological studies showing a strong herd-immunity effect and profound reductions in incidence after routine childhood vaccination in limited areas of the USA2 and throughout Israel,3 and economic evidence showing that the cost-effectiverfess of the policy was similar to that of other recommended vaccines.4,5 Other than in the USA and Israel, routine childhood vaccination for hepatitis A in the developed world has beenlimited to selected regions of Italy, Spain,and Australia.-7 Recent trends in hepatitis A epidemiology suggest that routine vaccination in some settings or regions-particularly in areas of rapid economic development-might soon be desirable.The first inactivated hepatitis A vaccines became available almost 15 years ago, and currently licensed vaccines are safe and highly effective. Vaccination can be given as early as 12 months of age and limited data indicate that the hepatitis A vaccine can be given with other vaccines that are routinely adminstered to this age group.