The impact of new vaccine introduction on immunization and health systems: A review of the published literature

ECDC comment

27 November 2012

This review followed a request in 2010 from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization. The review managed to summarize the experience of a century, published in seven databases in English and non-English literature, on the impact of new vaccines worldwide. The findings elucidate issues arising with every new vaccine, e.g., whether the vaccine should be launched in combination with other vaccines, whether existing platforms should be used, whether vaccines already included in the immunization schedules might be affected, whether health-care costs would be reduced, who should be included in the vaccination programmes, and what other challenges might be faced. The review further highlights underestimated dimensions of vaccines, such as the introduction of auto-disable syringes in health systems, the herd immunity achieved by almost all vaccines, the decrease in antibiotic use and the changes in treatment recommendations. Introduction of new vaccines may have both positive and negative results on the existing immunization system of countries, and findings by this review may guide decisions on optimal implementation of new vaccines.

Hyde TB, Dentz H, Wang SA, Burchett HE, Mounier-Jack S, Mantel CF; The New Vaccine Introduction Impact Published Literature Working Group. Vaccine 2012 Oct 5;30(45):6347-6358. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.08.029

This review followed a request in 2010 from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization. The review managed to summarize the experience of a century, published in seven databases in English and non-English literature, on the impact of new vaccines worldwide. The findings elucidate issues arising with every new vaccine, e.g., whether the vaccine should be launched in combination with other vaccines, whether existing platforms should be used, whether vaccines already included in the immunization schedules might be affected, whether health-care costs would be reduced, who should be included in the vaccination programmes, and what other challenges might be faced. The review further highlights underestimated dimensions of vaccines, such as the introduction of auto-disable syringes in health systems, the herd immunity achieved by almost all vaccines, the decrease in antibiotic use and the changes in treatment recommendations. Introduction of new vaccines may have both positive and negative results on the existing immunization system of countries, and findings by this review may guide decisions on optimal implementation of new vaccines.