Chickenpox in Poland in 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Chickenpox is a common disease in Poland, which is usually mild, but can lead to serious complications. Vaccination is an effective form of prevention. Prior to universal vaccination against chickenpox, high incidence was recorded in many countries. In Poland, since 2003, vaccinations have been carried out recommended for people who did not suffer from chickenpox and, since 2009, obligatory vaccinations for children up to 12 years of age. particularly vulnerable to infection and children around them.

Aim: To assess epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2018, including vaccination coverage in Polish population, in comparison to previous years.

Methods: Assessment of the epidemiological situation of chickenpox in Poland in 2018. was based on the results of the analysis of aggregate data published in the annual bulletins: "Infectious diseases and poisoning in Poland in 2018" and "Protective Vaccination in Poland in 2017. In addition, the recommendations from the Protective Vaccine Program for 2018 were used.

Results: In 2018, 149,565 cases of chickenpox were registered in Poland, i.e. 15.8% less than in the previous year. The incidence of chickenpox in 2018 was 389.4 per 100 thousand. and was lower than in 2017. The lowest incidence was registered in the Dolnośląskie Voivodeship - 267.5 / 100 thousand, the highest in the Pomorskie Voivodeship - 502.0 / 100 thousand. Children aged 0-4 years became ill the most (72,797). The incidence of chicken pox in men was higher than in women, and in rural areas it was higher than in urban areas. Hospitalization due to chickenpox in 2018 covered 1,089 people, which accounted for 0.72% of the total number of registered cases.

Summary: In 2018, there was a decrease in the number of smallpox cases compared to the previous year, the incidence remains lower than in 2012-2014. An effective method of disease prevention is vaccination against chickenpox, which, despite the lack of common funding, is carried out in a growing population. Further improvement of the epidemiological situation requires health education of the society in the field of primary prevention, which is based on vaccinations. As recommended, the smallpox vaccination course consists of two doses of the vaccine separated by at least 6 weeks from the previous dose.

Keywords: 2018; Poland; chickenpox; epidemiology.