Reply letter: trends in varicella and herpes zoster epidemiology before and after the implementation of universal one-dose varicella vaccination over one decade in South Korea, 2003-2015

Abstract

In the letter, Lai SW suggested that the cost-benefit of two-dose varicella vaccines should be considered since universal one-dose vaccination effectively reduced varicella incidence in Taiwan. However, the vaccination impact was different between South Korea and Taiwan. In South Korea, only a moderate reduction in varicella incidence was observed after implementing universal one-dose vaccination. Such difference possibly reflects the relatively high background varicella incidence in South Korea. As substantial variability in varicella epidemiology exists across countries, an optimal vaccination strategy may differ in each country. Despite the effectiveness of one-dose vaccine being moderate, primary vaccine failure and rapidly waning immunity are major concerns. Therefore, two-dose vaccination would be a reasonable choice for effectively preventing virus transmission in South Korea.