Question 1 (55% of overall grade): Reference: Varicella vaccination in Europe-taking the practical approach. Bonanni P et al. BMC Medicine 2009; 7:26 http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/...

Question 1 (55% of overall grade):

Reference: Varicella vaccination in Europe-taking the practical approach. Bonanni P et al. BMC Medicine 2009; 7:26 http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1741-7015-7-26.pdf

Read the paper carefully. Using information from the paper, including the additional tables, supplemented as necessary from the course textbook, answer the following questions. Do not just repeat the information in the paper. The examiners will be looking for your own interpretation of and views on the various points made in the paper.

a) Outline (five) important epidemiological features of varicella infection that would have had to be considered in deciding whether or not development of a vaccine could be useful.

b) In a country of your choice, outline (three) main reasons why universal varicella vaccination is justifiable or, if not justifiable, the conditions for it to become justifiable. (Note: The choice of country is up to you; however, you may find it easier to select the UK or another European country for which some relevant information is available in the paper and/or textbook.)

c) Assume that the conditions are met in order to justify the introduction of a universal varicella vaccination programme in the country you named above. Outline (three) components of the strategy (e.g. which age?) that you would use. Give a reason for and against your choice for each component.

Word limit: 1200 words - Vancouver style referencing,

or 1250 words - Harvard style referencing



Question 2 (45% of overall grade)

You are the epidemiologist in the district health office in Southampton, a British port. You are contacted by the medical officer of an incoming ship who informs you that, in the last 5 days, there have been 36 reported cases of gastroenteritis (mainly vomiting) out of a total of 240 passengers and members of crew. The illness appears to be relatively mild and self-limiting. She assumes that these are due to norovirus. The ship is due to arrive in port tomorrow.

Outline your management of this situation, justifying your proposed action with reference to specific characteristics of norovirus infection.

Word limit : 1100 words - Vancouver style referencing,

or 1150 words - Harvard style referencing