Use of Internet search data to monitor impact of rotavirus vaccination in the United States

Clin Infect Dis. 2012 May;54(9):e115-8. doi: 10.1093/cid/cis121. Epub 2012 Mar 14.

Abstract

Google-based Internet query share (IQS) for rotavirus search terms correlated well with US rotavirus laboratory detections from 2004 to 2010 (r = 0.88; P < .001), capturing the reduction observed during postvaccine years (2008-2010). IQS analysis could become an inexpensive and reliable supplement for monitoring the impact of rotavirus vaccination in the United States.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Rotavirus / immunology*
  • Rotavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Rotavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Rotavirus Infections / virology
  • Rotavirus Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • Sentinel Surveillance
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*

Substances

  • Rotavirus Vaccines