Direct and Indirect Effects of Rotavirus Vaccination Upon Childhood Hospitalizations in 3 US Counties, 2006–2009

Abstract

Rotavirus vaccination has dramatically decreased rates of hospitalization for rotavirus infection among children in these US counties. In 2008, reductions were prominent among both vaccine-eligible age groups and older, largely unvaccinated children; the latter likely resulted from indirect protection. Although rates among age groups eligible for vaccination remained low in 2009, indirect benefits disappeared.