Europe has been declared polio-free since 2002. Here we describe the seroprotection against poliomyelitis in the Dutch population using banked serum samples. Samples from 1,581 inhabitants of eight municipalities with low vaccination coverage (LVC) and an additional 6,386 samples from a nationwide (NS) group (clinical trial number: ISRCTN20164309; collected in 2006-07) were tested for neutralising antibodies (log² reciprocal titres (GMT); non-protection <3) against all three poliomyelitis serotypes. Demographic and epidemiological data were used for statistical regression analysis. Seroprevalence in the NS was 94.6% (type 1), 91.8% (type 2) and 84.0% (type 3). Infants (0-7 months-old) had ≥80% seroprevalence for all serotypes. The highest seroprevalence was found in children, with type 1 and type 2 in five year-olds and type 3 in nine to 10 year-olds. In the LVC group, orthodox protestants, many of whom refuse vaccination, showed seroprevalence rates of 64.9% (type 1), 61.0% (type 2) and 62.1% (type 3). In the NS group, non-Western immigrants and travellers to non-European continents had higher seroprevalences compared to Western immigrants and travellers within Europe, respectively. The Dutch National Immunisation Programme against poliomyelitis has provided good seroprotection, with high and long-lasting GMTs against all serotypes upon completion. The unvaccinated population remains at risk.
Use of the TQS would allow better targeting of T-PEP. Furthermore, stricter adherence to the HC-guideline can prevent overimmunisation and decrease the risk of tetanus.
Addition of antigens to a vaccine resulted in a higher reactogenicity, but the AEs were in general mild and transient. What is Known: • Assessment of adverse events is crucial for achieving the highest safety in immunization programs, in order to inform public health actions and maintain public confidence in immunization programs. What is New: • Newly introduced vaccines DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB and PCV10 are generally safe and well tolerated in infants. • These results are useful for information purposes and for monitoring variations in rates of AEs in the general population or in the target group over time.
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