Two decades of GSK rotavirus vaccine (RV1): a global analysis to estimate vaccination completion and deaths averted in children under 5 years.

BACKGROUND

Rotavirus vaccination plays a key role in reducing rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) related deaths. This analysis estimated the number of children under 5 years of age fully vaccinated with GSK rotavirus vaccine (RV1) since launch (2004) and its impact on RVGE-related deaths worldwide.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND

METHODS

To estimate the number of children under 5 years fully vaccinated with RV1 since launch, we used unpublished RV1 market supply data from GSK. The data were extrapolated until the time point when 1 billion doses will have been supplied. The number of RVGE-related deaths avoided was calculated using previously published data on the number of children needed to be fully vaccinated to avoid one fatal RVGE.

RESULTS

Approximately 431 million children under 5 years received a complete RV1 course from 2004 to 2023, avoiding over 220,000 RVGE-related deaths globally. The forecasted analysis estimated that by January 2025, 1 billion RV1 doses will have been supplied worldwide, representing 239,000 RVGE-related deaths avoided. By December 2025, 0.5 billion babies will be protected with RV1, resulting in 259,000 RVGE-related deaths avoided since 2004.

CONCLUSION

RV1 has contributed to reducing the number of RVGE cases and related deaths and is anticipated to continue reducing this disease burden.