Improving prevention and early detection of sepsis among patient groups at risk: Introducing a model for a multimodal information campaign-The SepWiss study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Annually, sepsis leads to approx. 90.000 deaths in Germany. Risk factors include amongst others older age (>60), innate or acquired dysfunction of the immune system, and underlying chronic diseases of the lung, heart, liver, or kidneys. The manifestation of sepsis is a medical emergency, and patient outcomes depend on timely diagnosis and immediate treatment. In addition, vaccinations e.g., against pneumococci or influenza virus, are a highly effective public health tool to prevent the most common underlying infections that may lead to sepsis. However, a lack of public awareness for the relevance of vaccination and detecting sepsis as an emergency underlines the need for public health interventions that address these issues. SepWiss aims to evaluate the effects of a multimodal information campaign designed to address this lack of awareness among the risk population in Germany. METHODS: SepWiss is an intervention at state level, consisting of a multimodal information campaign targeting risk groups in the German federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg (intervention region). Based on available evidence, various information formats were developed and implemented by outdoor advertising, social media, educational formats and through stakeholders' platforms, starting in August 2021. The control region comprises of the remaining 14 German federal states. We will analyze vaccination coverage (primary outcome), and sepsis knowledge, the ability to detect sepsis as an emergency, and attitude towards vaccination (secondary outcomes) amongst the risk population in a controlled before-after comparison. The implementation is accompanied by a mixed-method process evaluation. DISCUSSION: SepWiss is the first project of its kind to evaluate a complex multi-faceted evidence-based information campaign with regards to the topics of vaccination coverage, and the importance of sepsis detection and prevention for the most vulnerable populations in Germany. Results will be valuable for informing further nationwide campaigns. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Registry for Clinical Trials: DRKS00024475. Registered February 24th, 2021.

Rare cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination, Germany, December 2020 to August 2021.

BackgroundGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been associated with vaccination against COVID-19.AimWe aimed to compare clinical characteristics and analyse excess GBS cases following administration of different COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in Germany versus the expected numbers estimated from pre-pandemic background incidence rates.MethodsWe analysed safety surveillance data reported to the German national competent authority between 27 December 2020 and 31 August 2021. GBS cases were validated according to Brighton Collaboration (BC) criteria. We conducted observed vs expected (OvE) analyses on cases fulfilling BC criteria levels 1 to 4 for all four European Medicines Agency-approved COVID-19 vaccines and for influenza vaccines.ResultsA total of 214 GBS cases after COVID-19 vaccination had been reported, of whom 156 were eligible for further analysis. Standardised morbidity ratio estimates 3-42 days after vaccination were 0.34 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.44) for Comirnaty, 0.38 (95% CI: 0.15-0.79) for Spikevax, 3.10 (95% CI: 2.44-3.88) for Vaxzevria, 4.16 (95% CI: 2.64-6.24) for COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.35-0.94) for influenza vaccines. Bilateral facial paresis was reported in 19.7% and 26.1% of the 156 GBS cases following vaccination with Vaxzevria and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, respectively, and only in 6% of cases exposed to Comirnaty.ConclusionThree and four times more GBS cases than expected were reported after vaccination with Vaxzevria and COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, respectively, therefore GBS might be an adverse event of vector-based vaccines. Bifacial paresis was more common in cases with GBS following vaccination with vector-based than mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Monitoring of Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Pregnant Women in Germany Based on Nationwide Outpatient Claims Data: Findings for Seasons 2014/15 to 2019/20.

Pregnant women and their infants are at increased risk for severe influenza-related complications. A decade has passed since influenza vaccination was first recommended for pregnant women in Germany in 2010; however, monitoring of vaccination coverage (VC) has not yet been implemented for this target group. Using nationwide outpatient claims data, we here provide results on influenza VC among pregnant women in Germany for seasons 2014/15 to 2019/20. For any given season, pregnant women were defined as women who had undergone prenatal health care in at least two consecutive quarters within a season. VC increased from 9.0% in season 2014/15 to 16.6% in 2019/20 (+84%), while most of the increase occurred from season 2016/17 (VC: 9.9%) onwards (+68%). Consistently across seasons, women in east Germany were 40 to 60% more likely to be vaccinated compared to women residing in west Germany. According to age, the highest VC was observed among women aged 35 to <40 years (2019/20: 18.2%). Despite noticeable increases in influenza VC during recent years, overall coverage remains low among pregnant women. Starting with this analysis, VC among pregnant women in Germany will be monitored on a yearly basis in order to detect trends and identify immunization gaps.

[Recording of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory tests in Germany]. / Erfassung der Labortestungen auf SARS-CoV-2 in Deutschland.

The collection of data on SARS-CoV­2 tests is central to the assessment of the infection rate in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), data collected from various laboratory data recording systems are consolidated. First, this article aims to exemplify significant aspects regarding test procedures. Subsequently the different systems for recording laboratory tests are described and test numbers from the RKI test laboratory query and the laboratory-based SARS-CoV­2 surveillance as well as accounting data from the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians for SARS-CoV­2 laboratory tests are shown.Early in the pandemic, the RKI test laboratory query and the laboratory-based SARS-CoV­2 surveillance became available and able to evaluate data on performed tests and test capacities. By recording the positive and negative test results, statements about the total number of tests and the proportion of positive test rates can be made. While the aggregate test numbers are largely representative nationwide, they are not always representative at the state and district level. The billing data of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians can complement the laboratory data afterwards. In addition, it can provide a retrospective assessment of the total number of SARS-CoV­2 numbers in Germany, because the services provided by statutory health insurers (around 85% of the population in Germany) are included. The various laboratory data recording systems complement one another and the evaluations flow into the recommended measures for the pandemic response.

Hepatitis A outbreak among MSM in Berlin due to low vaccination coverage: Epidemiology, management, and successful interventions.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of a large hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreak among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Berlin and to assess the impact of measures implemented. METHODS: Cases of laboratory-confirmed, symptomatic HAV infection notified in Berlin, Germany between August 2016 and February 2018 were analysed using routine and enhanced surveillance data including genotyping results. Several studies involving different groups of participants were conducted to further investigate the outbreak, including surveys on knowledge and practices of HAV vaccination among physicians and vaccination coverage and determinants of vaccination status among MSM. The measures implemented were categorized by target group in a Gantt chart. To assess their impact, health insurance data on HAV vaccination uptake were analysed, comparing Berlin and other federal states. RESULTS: During the outbreak period, a total of 222 cases were reported (of which 91 were sequence-confirmed), with a peak in case numbers in January 2017. Physicians were aware of the existing vaccination recommendations, but vaccination coverage among 756 MSM was low, with 32.7% being completely vaccinated and 17.3% being incompletely vaccinated before 2017. HAV vaccination before 2017 was associated with being born in Germany (odds ratio 2.36) and HIV-positive (odds ratio 1.80). HAV monovalent vaccination uptake increased by 164% from 2016 to 2017 among males in Berlin, compared to 7% in other federal states. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple measures targeting the MSM community, physicians, and public health to increase HAV vaccination uptake were successfully implemented. To prevent future HAV outbreaks, we recommend monitoring vaccination coverage among MSM, promoting awareness of existing recommendations among physicians, and ensuring access for foreign-born and young MSM.

[Compliance with adult measles and pertussis vaccination recommendations : Analysis of data from the national monitoring system KV-Impfsurveillance]. / Umsetzung der Masern- und Pertussisimpfempfehlungen für Erwachsene : Analyse von Daten des bundesweiten Monitorings der KV-Impfsurveillance.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination recommends adult measles and pertussis vaccination. The measles vaccine has been recommended since 2010 to adults born after 1970 with less than two doses in childhood, and an acellular pertussis vaccine (ap) since 2009 to be administered to all adults, with the next recommended decennial tetanus (T) and diphtheria (d) booster as a Tdap combination vaccine.We aim to determine the annual uptake of the measles vaccine (vaccination incidence) and its proportion in pediatric and gynecological practices as interdisciplinary services (2009-2016). We further aim to calculate the 10-year ap vaccination coverage and missed vaccination opportunities as the proportion vaccinated with Td only among all Td and Tdap vaccinees (2007-2016).Within the national vaccination monitoring system KV-Impfsurveillance of the Robert Koch Institute and all Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, all persons receiving the relevant vaccinations were identified in nationwide statutory health insurance claims and related to the numbers of insured persons.The measles vaccination incidence in 2009 was 0.4%, increasing to ≥1.0% annually since 2013. It was higher in western than eastern federal states and higher among women than men. Of all measles vaccinations, 6.8% were given by pediatricians. Men received 2.6% of their vaccinations by gynecologists. The ap vaccination coverage was 32.4%. The proportion of exclusively Td vaccinated adults fell from 84% (2007) to 24% (from 2013 onwards).Since their recommendation, the KV-Impfsurveillance system shows increased uptake of measles and pertussis vaccines with regional and sex differences and is thus instrumental in their evaluation. Analyses of interdisciplinary vaccinations and missed vaccination opportunities provide insight into the potential for increasing uptake.

Increasing influenza and pneumococcal vaccine uptake in the elderly: study protocol for the multi-methods prospective intervention study Vaccination60.

BACKGROUND: Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination can prevent disease and potentially life-threatening complications like sepsis. Elderly people have an increased risk of severe disease and therefore constitute a major target group for vaccination. To increase vaccination coverage, targeted interventions are needed that take theory-based specific determinants of vaccination behaviour into account. Moreover, message and campaign design should consider specific age-related characteristics (e.g., information processing, media use). The aim of this study is (i) to identify the specific informational and interventional needs of this risk group, (ii) to design and implement a targeted intervention aiming to decrease vaccine hesitancy, increase vaccine uptake and decrease the health and economic burden due to the respective diseases, and (iii) to measure the effect of this evidence-informed intervention on various levels. METHODS: Prospective, multi-methods intervention study targeting individuals aged ≥60 years in a model region in Germany (federal state of Thuringia, 500,000 inhabitants ≥60 years old). The development of the intervention follows theory-based and evidence-informed principles: Data from a cross-sectional representative study provide insights into specific determinants of the target group's vaccination behaviour. Additionally, media use is analysed to identify adequate communication channels for specific subgroups. In pilot studies, the intervention materials are adapted to the specific cognitive requirements of the target group. For development and implementation of the intervention, an interdisciplinary and trans-sectoral approach is used, including psychology, communication science, design, medical science, epidemiology and various public health players. The intervention will be implemented in autumn and winter 2017/18 and 2018/19 and adjusted in between. Evaluation of the intervention includes: awareness, use and recall of intervention materials, effects on changes in determinants of vaccination behaviour, self-reported vaccine uptake, and vaccination coverage in the intervention area (primary outcomes), as well as disease incidences (secondary outcomes) and the economic burden of influenza, pneumonia, invasive pneumococcal disease and sepsis for the healthcare system (tertiary outcomes). DISCUSSION: The data will add to the body of evidence on the effectiveness of evidence-informed vaccination campaign development as well as on the clinical and economic effects of pneumococcal and influenza vaccination. The effect of the intervention will teach valuable lessons about the principles of campaign development and evaluation, and can motivate a subsequent nationwide intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00012653 . Registered 24.11.2017. Retrospectively registered.

Invasive pneumococcal disease in children under 16 years of age: Incomplete rebound in incidence after the maximum effect of PCV13 in 2012/13 in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To identify a potential nadir of the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV) in infancy on invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) in children under 16 in Germany. METHODS: Active surveillance on IPD based on two independent data sources with capture-recapture correction for underreporting. Annual incidence rates by age group, serotypes, site of infection, and relative incidence reduction compared to pre-vaccination period (1997-2001) at nadir and for the most recent season are reported. We calculated vaccine coverage at the age of 24 months using health insurance claims data. RESULTS: 96-97% of children had received at least two doses of PCV since 2009. The maximum impact on overall IPD incidence was achieved in 2012/13 (-48% [95% CI: -55%; -39%]) with a rebound to -26% [95% CI: -36%; -16%] in 2015/16. Non-PCV13 serotypes accounted for 84.1% of the IPD cases in 2015/16. The most frequent non-PCV serotypes in IPD in 2014/15 and 2015/16 were 10A, 24F, 15C, 12F, 38, 22F, 23B, and 15B. The impact at nadir was highest in children 0-1 years of age both in meningitis and non-meningitis cases, whereas the impact for other age groups was higher for meningitis cases. The rebound mainly pertained to non-meningitis cases. CONCLUSION: The maximum impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination has been attained and signs of a rebound are apparent. Sustained surveillance for IPD in children is warranted to assess whether these trends will continue. There may be a need for vaccines using antigens common to all serotypes.

Assessing varicella vaccine effectiveness and its influencing factors using health insurance claims data, Germany, 2006 to 2015.

In Germany, routine childhood varicella vaccination was implemented in 2004 with two doses recommended since 2009. We used an immunisation information system based on countrywide health insurance claims data to analyse vaccine effectiveness (VE) and factors influencing VE. We applied proportional hazard models to estimate VE under various conditions and compared the risk of acquiring varicella among unvaccinated children in regions with high vs low vaccination coverage (VC). Among 1.4 million children we identified 29,404 varicella cases over a maximum follow-up of 8 years post-vaccination. One-dose VE was 81.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 81.4-82.5), two-dose VE 94.4% (95% CI: 94.2-94.6). With dose one given 1-27 days after measles-containing vaccine (MCV), one-dose VE was 32.2% (95% CI: 10.4-48.6), two-dose VE 92.8% (95% CI: 84.8-96.6). VE was not associated with age at vaccination (11-14 vs ≥ 15 months), time since vaccination, or vaccine type. Unvaccinated children had a twofold higher risk of acquiring varicella in low VC regions. Our system generated valuable data, showing that two-dose varicella vaccination provides good protection for at least 8 years. Unvaccinated children benefit from herd effects. When the first varicella vaccine dose is given shortly after MCV, a second dose is essential.

Strong Additional Effect of a Second Varicella Vaccine Dose in Children in Germany, 2009-2014.

OBJECTIVES: Vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 1 and 2 varicella vaccine doses in children aged 1-4 years in Germany was evaluated to determine the additional effect of a second dose recommended at least 4 weeks after the first dose and before the second birthday. STUDY DESIGN: To estimate the VE, the proportion of cases vaccinated was compared with the proportion of the population vaccinated using nationwide sentinel surveillance data from 2009-2014 and health insurance claims data covering the period January 2009-March 2014, respectively. A general linear model was used to estimate the OR of vaccination in the cases and the population and the corresponding CIs to observe the stability of the VE estimates over time, and to assess the incremental effectiveness of a second dose. RESULTS: The overall VE after 1 dose was 86.6% (95% CI: 85.2-87.9), ranging between 94.6% (95% CI: 87.9-97.6) in the first quarter of 2011 and 50.3% (95% CI: 7.3-73.4) in the third quarter of 2013. The overall VE after 2 doses was 97.3% (95% CI: 97.0-97.6), ranging between 99.5% (95% CI: 97.8-99.9) in the second quarter of 2009 and 91.3% (95% CI: 85.7-94.8) in the third quarter of 2013. The incremental VE of 2 doses was 84.6% (95% CI: 81.7-86.9). CONCLUSIONS: The substantially higher VE of 2 varicella vaccine doses compared with 1 dose in young children and the strong additional effect of the second dose support the public health relevance of a 2-dose schedule and the success of the early second vaccine dose.

Anaphylaxis After Immunization of Children and Adolescents in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening event. The aim of this study was to estimate the annual frequency of anaphylaxis after immunization in individuals younger than 18 years in Germany leading to hospitalization. METHODS: All suspected cases of postvaccination anaphylaxis involving individuals aged 0-17 years reported to the German surveillance unit for rare pediatric diseases (Erhebungseinheit für seltene pädiatrische Erkrankungen in Deutschland) from June 2008 through May 2010, and all suspected cases of anaphylaxis as an adverse event following immunization in the same age group reported to the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut during the observational period were classified according to the Brighton collaboration case definition. Only hospitalized cases of anaphylaxis fulfilling Brighton collaboration case definition level 1-3 criteria were eligible. Estimates for the annual frequency were calculated by using capture-recapture methods. RESULTS: A total of 22 reports were eligible. Median age of the affected individuals (13 males, 9 females) was 7.0 years (range: 2 months to 17 years). Anaphylaxis occurred most frequently after administration of AS03 adjuvanted A/H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine (n = 8). The annual frequency of anaphylaxis after vaccination (excluding pandemic influenza vaccine as well as monovalent measles and rubella vaccines) was estimated to be 6.8 (95% confidence interval: 6.1-10.9). The estimated incidence of anaphylaxis after administration of specific vaccines ranged from 0.4 to 127.6 cases per 1,000,000 doses administered. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that anaphylaxis after immunization in children and adolescents is a rare event. AS03 adjuvanted A/H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine seems to be associated with a higher risk of anaphylaxis when compared with other vaccines.

Application of the screening method to monitor influenza vaccine effectiveness among the elderly in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Elderly people are at increased risk for severe influenza illness and constitute therefore a major target-group for seasonal influenza vaccination in most industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) among individuals aged 60+ years over three seasons and to assess if the screening method is a suitable tool to monitor influenza VE in this particular target-group in Germany. METHODS: We identified laboratory-confirmed influenza cases aged 60+ years through the national communicable disease reporting system for seasons 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13. Vaccination coverage (VC) data were retrieved from a database of health insurance claims representing ~85% of the total German population. We applied the screening method to calculate influenza subtype-specific VE and compared our results with VE estimates from other observational studies in Europe. RESULTS: In total, 7,156 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were included. VE against all influenza types ranged between 49% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39-56) in 2011/12 and 80% (95% CI: 76-83%) in 2010/11. In 2010/11 subtype-specific VE against influenza A(H1N1)pdm and B was 76% and 84%, respectively. In the following seasons, VE against influenza A(H1N1)pdm, A(H3N2) and B was 87%, -9% , 74% (2011/12), and 74%, 39%, 73% (2012/13). VE was higher among hospitalized compared to non-hospitalized influenza A cases. Seventeen observational studies from Europe reporting subtype-specific VE among the elderly were identified for the respective seasons (all applying the test-negative design) and showed comparable subtype-specific VE estimates. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, influenza vaccination provided moderate protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm and B in individuals aged 60+ but no or only little protection against A(H3N2). Higher VE among hospitalized cases might indicate higher protection against severe influenza disease. Based on the available data, the screening method allowed us to assess subtype-specific VE in hospitalized and non-hospitalized elderly persons. Since controlling for several important confounders was not possible, the applied method only provided crude VE estimates. However, given the precise VC-data and the large number of cases, the screening method provided results being in line with VE estimates from other observational studies in Europe that applied a different study design.

Effectiveness of routine and booster pertussis vaccination in children and adolescents, federal state of Brandenburg, Germany, 2002-2012.

BACKGROUND: In Germany, whole-cell pertussis vaccines were rapidly replaced by high-concentration acellular pertussis-containing vaccines (3+1 doses from 2 months of age) starting in 1995. Boosters were recommended for 9- to 17-year-olds (2000) and for 5- to 6-year-olds (2006). Pertussis incidence remains high despite rising vaccination coverage (VC). Therefore, we analyzed VC and vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the federal state of Brandenburg. METHODS: In a stratified case-cohort analysis, we compared VC of reported pertussis cases with VC assessed in schools and kindergartens in the following strata: Children aged 2-3 years born 2005-2009 (toddlers), 5-7 years born 1995-2006 (pre-schoolers) and 15-16 years born 1995-1996 (adolescents). We calculated VE for primary and booster vaccination using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Four-dose VE decreased from 96.9% in toddlers [95% confidence interval (CI): 72.2-99.3] to 87.8% in pre-schoolers (95% CI: 79.7-92.7) to 81.7% in adolescents (95% CI: 40.6-92.8). Four-dose VE was lower in pre-schoolers born after 1996 (75.4%) than in those born 1995-1996, ~1% and ~21% of whom had received ≥1 dose of whole-cell pertussis vaccines, respectively. VE was higher in pre-schoolers and adolescents who received a booster (92.8%and 96.5%, respectively). However, overall booster VC was only 19% and 76% in these age groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We observed high VE of routine pertussis vaccination, with evidence of waning over time and improved VE after booster vaccination. Increased uptake and monitoring of recommended pertussis boosters is urgently recommended to decrease high pertussis morbidity particularly in older children and adolescents.

Measles incidence and reporting trends in Germany, 2007-2011.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to quantify progress towards measles elimination in Germany from 2007 to 2011 and to estimate any potential underreporting over this period. METHODS: We determined the annual incidence of notified cases of measles - for each year - in northern, western, eastern and southern Germany and across the whole country. We then used measles-related health insurance claims to estimate the corresponding incidence. FINDINGS: In each year between 2007 and 2011, there were 6.9-19.6 (mean: 10.8) notified cases of measles per million population. Incidence decreased with age and showed geographical variation, with highest mean incidence - 20.3 cases per million - in southern Germany. Over the study period, incidence decreased by 10% (incidence rate ratio, IRR: 0.90; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.85-0.95) per year in western Germany but increased by 77% (IRR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.62-1.93) per year in eastern Germany. Although the estimated incidence of measles based on insurance claims showed similar trends, these estimates were 2.0- to 4.8-fold higher than the incidence of notified cases. Comparisons between the data sets indicated that the underreporting increased with age and was generally less in years when measles incidence was high than in low-incidence years. CONCLUSION: Germany is still far from achieving measles elimination. There is substantial regional variation in measles epidemiology and, therefore, a need for region-specific interventions. Our analysis indicates underreporting in the routine surveillance system between 2007 and 2011, especially among adults.

Utilization of administrative data to assess the association of an adolescent health check-up with human papillomavirus vaccine uptake in Germany.

BACKGROUND: In Germany, 3-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for 12-17 year-old females. Countrywide monitoring of HPV vaccination coverage (VC) does not exist, but small-scale surveys suggested suboptimal uptake. There is currently no concerted implementation strategy in place, and approaches for improved vaccine delivery are needed. Our objectives were to analyze health insurance claims data to estimate HPV VC in the target population and to assess the association of the routine adolescent health check-up 'J1' (offered to 12-14 year-olds) with HPV vaccine uptake. METHODS: We sampled a subset of 12-16 year-old females from claims data in 15 of the 16 German federal states. Sampling was based on documented physician contacts flanking the follow-up period 2008-2012. We reconstructed age- and region-stratified histories of individual-level HPV vaccination series and J1 utilization and calculated country-level estimates. RESULTS: The study sample represented 54% (n=1.04 million) of the total target population. VC estimates for starting (and completing) HPV vaccination series ranged from 6.1% (1.2%) among 12-year-olds to 47.6% (36.2%) among 16-year-olds. J1 utilization was 50% at maximum. In J1-attendees, 42.0% had received ≥1 vaccine doses, translating into a significant association of J1 utilization and vaccine uptake with a 6.9-fold higher likelihood in 12-year-olds and 1.4-fold higher likelihood in 16-year-olds of receiving HPV vaccination. CONCLUSION: HPV VC in Germany is low. Adolescent check-up J1 is associated with increased and accelerated HPV vaccine uptake securing immunization before sexual debut and should be used as a tool to improve VC in the target population. However, J1 utilization is only moderate and more than half of attendees had not received HPV vaccination, which represents a substantial proportion of missed opportunities. This indicates that J1 needs both further promotion through legislative structures already in place for other health check-ups and more awareness as an opportunity to offer HPV vaccinations.

Vaccination coverage among children in Germany estimated by analysis of health insurance claims data.

In Germany, the national routine childhood immunization schedule comprises 12 vaccinations. Primary immunizations should be completed by 24 mo of age. However, nationwide monitoring of vaccination coverage (VC) is performed only at school entry. We utilized health insurance claims data covering ~85% of the total population with the objectives to (1) assess VC of all recommended childhood vaccinations in birth-cohorts 2004-2009, (2) analyze cross-sectional (at 24 and 36 mo) and longitudinal trends, and (3) validate the method internally and externally. Counting vaccine doses in a retrospective cohort fashion, we assembled individual vaccination histories and summarized VC to nationwide figures. For most long-established vaccinations, VC at 24 mo was at moderate levels (~73-80%) and increased slightly across birth-cohorts. One dose measles VC was high (94%), but low (69%) for the second dose. VC with a full course of recently introduced varicella, pneumococcal, and meningococcal C vaccines increased across birth-cohorts from below 10% above 60%, 70%, and 80%, respectively. At 36 mo, VC had increased further by up to 15 percentage points depending on vaccination. Longitudinal analysis suggested a continued VC increase until school entry. Validation of VC figures with primary data showed an overall good agreement. In conclusion, analysis of health insurance claims data allows for the estimation of VC among children in Germany considering completeness and timeliness of vaccination series. This approach provides valid nationwide VC figures for all currently recommended pediatric vaccinations and fills the information gap between early infancy and late assessment at school entry.

Herpes zoster in Germany: quantifying the burden of disease.

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster-virus (VZV) and mainly affects individuals aged≥50 years. Vaccines have been licensed or are under development that can protect against HZ and its main complication postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). In Germany, the burden of disease caused by HZ is not well known. To support the decision making process related to a potential vaccination recommendation, we estimated annual HZ disease burden in people aged≥50 years in Germany by utilizing various data sources. METHODS: We assessed for 2007 and 2008 HZ-outpatient incidence (number of cases per 1,000 person-years, PY) by utilizing the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (ASHIP) database, which contains nationwide routine outpatient data. For the same time period annual number of HZ-inpatients and HZ-associated deaths were identified by using the Federal Health Monitoring System (FHM). PHN-incidence and loss of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) caused by HZ were calculated by multiplying number of identified HZ-patients with upper and lower limit estimates for proportion of HZ-cases developing PHN and HZ-related QALY, respectively. RESULTS: For the study period we identified an annual average of 306,511 HZ-outpatients aged 50+, resulting in a HZ-incidence of 9.6/1,000 PY. A total 14,249 HZ-associated inpatients and 66 deaths were reported in both years on average. HZ-incidence increased by age from 6.21 in people 50-54 years to 13.19 per 1,000 PY in people aged≥90 years. Females were significantly more frequently affected than males in terms of outpatient HZ-incidence (11.12 vs. 7.8 per 1,000 PY), inpatient HZ-incidence (0.51 vs. 0.38 per 1,000 PY) and mortality (0.29 vs. 0.10 per 100,000 PY). PHN-incidence was estimated to range between 0.43 and 1.33 per 1,000 PY. Based on these figures, there were between 3,065 to 24,094 QALYs lost due to HZ in persons aged≥50 years in Germany per annum. CONCLUSION: Our study provides important baseline estimates for HZ-related disease burden in Germany. HZ poses a considerable burden on the health care system in Germany both in terms of outpatient and inpatient services. Follow-up assessments of HZ disease burden are needed to monitor the impact of VZV-vaccinations in Germany.