Epidemiology and economic burden of measles, mumps, pertussis, and varicella in Germany: a systematic review

Oliver Damm (), Julian Witte, Stefanie Wetzka, Christine Prosser, Sebastian Braun, Robert Welte and Wolfgang Greiner
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Oliver Damm: School of Public Health, Bielefeld University
Julian Witte: School of Public Health, Bielefeld University
Stefanie Wetzka: GlaxoSmithKline Germany
Christine Prosser: Xcenda GmbH
Sebastian Braun: Xcenda GmbH
Robert Welte: GlaxoSmithKline Germany
Wolfgang Greiner: School of Public Health, Bielefeld University

International Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 61, issue 7, No 13, 847-860

Abstract: Abstract Objectives Despite the availability of vaccines and the existence of public vaccination recommendations, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable childhood diseases still cause public health debate. The objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the current epidemiology and economic burden of measles, mumps, pertussis, and varicella in Germany. Methods We systematically reviewed studies published since 2000. The literature search was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE. Also, we used German notification data to give an up-to-date overview of the epidemiology of the four diseases under consideration. Results Thirty-six studies were included in our review. Results suggest that there is still considerable morbidity due to childhood diseases in Germany. Studies providing cost estimates are scarce. Comparative analyses of different data sources (notification data vs. claims data) revealed a potential underestimation of incidence estimates when using notification data. Furthermore, several studies showed regional differences in incidence of some of the diseases under consideration. Conclusions Our findings underline the need for improved vaccination and communication strategies targeting all susceptible age and risk groups on a national and local level.

Keywords: Childhood diseases; Epidemiology; Economic burden; Germany (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0842-8

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