Effectiveness of Rotavirus Vaccination: A systematic review of the first decade of global post-licensure data, 2006-2016.

Two rotavirus vaccines, Rotarix (RV1) and RotaTeq (RV5), were licensed for global use in 2006. A systematic review of 48 peer-reviewed articles with post-licensure data from 24 countries showed a median RV1 vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 84%, 75%, and 57% in low, medium, and high child mortality countries, respectively, and RV5 VE of 90% in low and 45% in high child mortality countries. A partial vaccine series provided considerable protection, but not to the same level as a full series. VE tended to decline in the second year of life, particularly in medium and high mortality settings, and tended to be greater against more severe rotavirus disease. Post-licensure data from countries across geographic regions and with different child mortality levels demonstrate that under routine use, both RV1 and RV5 are effective against rotavirus disease, supporting the WHO recommendation that all countries introduce rotavirus vaccine into their national immunization program.