title: [Hepatitis B vaccination strategies].
abstract: With the introduction of a vaccine against hepatitis B in the early 1980s, a vaccination strategy targeted at high risk groups was implemented in most developed countries. Although such a strategy is efficient on an individual basis, it has been shown that it only has a limited impact on the overall rate of infections in the population. Public health authorities were therefore prompted to additionally recommend a universal vaccination strategy to reduce and ultimately eliminate hepatitis B infections. The option to primarily vaccinate infants, adolescents or both age groups depends on the epidemiological situation of a country, the availability of organisational facilities, financial resources and acceptability. Combining a targeted and a universal vaccination strategy provides the optimal protection against hepatitis B, both at an individual and population level.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Epidemiologie und Infektionskrankheiten, Bundesamt für Gesundheit, Bern.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kammerlander
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vaudaux
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines
vernacular_title: Hepatitis-B-Impfstrategien.