OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: A decision analytic model was built to assess the paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) burden and potential benefits associated with the introduction of RotaTeq (pentavalent rotavirus vaccine) in Belgium. RESULTS: In the absence of a rotavirus (RV) immunisation programme, paediatric RVGE was estimated to account for about 5,860 hospitalisations, 1,720 cases of nosocomial infections, 9,410 cases treated by general practitioners/paediatricians (GP/P) and 10,790 cases not seeking medical care for a birth cohort followed up to 5 years of age. Paediatric RVGE was estimated to cost about euro9.0 million from the Belgian healthcare provider perspective and euro15.3 million to society. Given a 90% RV vaccination coverage rate, the pentavalent RV vaccine would have a high impact on RV burden by preventing more than 4,850 hospitalisations, 995 cases of nosocomial infections, 7,145 cases treated by GP/P and 8,190 cases not seeking medical care, and reduce RVGE costs by euro7.1 million from the Belgian healthcare provider perspective and euro12.0 million to society.
OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: A decision analytic model was built to assess the paediatric rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) burden and potential benefits associated with the introduction of RotaTeq (pentavalent rotavirus vaccine) in Belgium. RESULTS: In the absence of a rotavirus (RV) immunisation programme, paediatric RVGE was estimated to account for about 5,860 hospitalisations, 1,720 cases of nosocomial infections, 9,410 cases treated by general practitioners/paediatricians (GP/P) and 10,790 cases not seeking medical care for a birth cohort followed up to 5 years of age. Paediatric RVGE was estimated to cost about euro9.0 million from the Belgian healthcare provider perspective and euro15.3 million to society. Given a 90% RV vaccination coverage rate, the pentavalent RV vaccine would have a high impact on RV burden by preventing more than 4,850 hospitalisations, 995 cases of nosocomial infections, 7,145 cases treated by GP/P and 8,190 cases not seeking medical care, and reduce RVGE costs by euro7.1 million from the Belgian healthcare provider perspective and euro12.0 million to society.