Evaluation of Universal Rotavirus Vaccination Program

Two rotavirus vaccines have been authorized for use in Canada: RotaTeq®, Merck Frost Canada, Inc. and Rotarix®, Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK). In contrast to the United States, Australia and several other western countries, neither rotavirus vaccine is offered in a publicly funded program in Canada. A universal rotavirus immunization program offered to all children has the potential to prevent moderate to severe forms of the disease associated with rotavirus, with associated decreased disease burden and health care costs. This demonstration project seeks to evaluate the effect of the implementation of a universal infant immunization program with Rotarix employing two different program delivery models (public health delivery or physician office delivery) in comparison to a jurisdiction where routine immunization is not provided. Only evaluation of the program will be the subject of this study.