Helen Kalies1, Veit Grote, Heinz-Josef Schmitt, Rüdiger von Kries. 1. Department of Paediatric Epidemiology, Institute of Social Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Heiglhofstrasse 63, 81377, Munich, Germany. kalies@uni-muenchen.de
Abstract
UNLABELLED: In Germany, a low coverage with hepatitis B and measles vaccines and a considerable delay in administration of all recommended vaccines were previously apparent. Whether there have been improvements and whether there are regional differences within Germany is not known. Using representative nationwide telephone interviews on 2,701 children born 1996-2003, we assessed vaccination coverage for the first dose or full primary series (2/3 doses, depending on vaccine used) at 24 months of age. The proportions vaccinated with the first dose, full priming and full immunisation (2/3 doses plus booster in the 2nd year of life) until the end of the recommended age (3, 5 and 15 months, respectively, for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B vaccines (DTPPolioHibHep), and 15 for the first measles, mumps and rubella dose (MMR) were used as indicators of compliance with national guidelines. Coverage for polio, Hib and hepatitis B vaccines increased, while coverage for the first MMR dose remained constantly low at about 70%. Vaccination coverage differed substantially among the German states and was highest for the new states. Compliance with national guidelines increased from 2.5% to 15% for the full primary DTPPolioHibHep series, from 16.2% to 44.7% for the first MMR dose and from 1.0% to 19.3% for the full immunisation with all recommended vaccines (DTPPolioHibHepMMR). CONCLUSION: Vaccination coverage at 24 months and compliance with national guidelines has improved for most vaccines in Germany. However, improving coverage for measles, mumps, rubella and eliminating the regional disparities remain a major challenge for the public health sector.
UNLABELLED: In Germany, a low coverage with hepatitis B and measles vaccines and a considerable delay in administration of all recommended vaccines were previously apparent. Whether there have been improvements and whether there are regional differences within Germany is not known. Using representative nationwide telephone interviews on 2,701 children born 1996-2003, we assessed vaccination coverage for the first dose or full primary series (2/3 doses, depending on vaccine used) at 24 months of age. The proportions vaccinated with the first dose, full priming and full immunisation (2/3 doses plus booster in the 2nd year of life) until the end of the recommended age (3, 5 and 15 months, respectively, for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B vaccines (DTPPolioHibHep), and 15 for the first measles, mumps and rubella dose (MMR) were used as indicators of compliance with national guidelines. Coverage for polio, Hib and hepatitis B vaccines increased, while coverage for the first MMR dose remained constantly low at about 70%. Vaccination coverage differed substantially among the German states and was highest for the new states. Compliance with national guidelines increased from 2.5% to 15% for the full primary DTPPolioHibHep series, from 16.2% to 44.7% for the first MMR dose and from 1.0% to 19.3% for the full immunisation with all recommended vaccines (DTPPolioHibHepMMR). CONCLUSION: Vaccination coverage at 24 months and compliance with national guidelines has improved for most vaccines in Germany. However, improving coverage for measles, mumps, rubella and eliminating the regional disparities remain a major challenge for the public health sector.
Authors: Loren K Mell; David S Ogren; Robert L Davis; John P Mullooly; Steven B Black; Henry R Shinefield; Kenneth M Zangwill; Joel I Ward; S Michael Marcy; Robert T Chen Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2005-02 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Helen Kalies; Rebekka Redel; Rudolf Varga; Martin Tauscher; Rüdiger von Kries Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2008-03-01 Impact factor: 3.295