title: Survey of pediatricians in Germany reveals important challenges for possible implementation of meningococcal B vaccination.
abstract: Incidence of invasive meningococcal disease is low in Germany at 0.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Serogroup B (MenB) is most common, causing 70% of cases, with highest incidence in infants (5.9/100,000). In 2013, a MenB vaccine was licensed in Europe. To assess pediatricians' attitudes towards MenB vaccination and its potential use in Germany we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey among 5677 pediatricians. Of 3107 participants (response: 55%), 79.1% would recommend a MenB vaccination to parents, with 66.7% favoring a schedule at 6, 8 and 12 months over 2, 3, 4 and 12 months (13.4%). Administration separately from other vaccines was preferred (63.2%); 38.5% feared that a recommendation would lead to refusal of other recommended vaccinations. In conclusion, pediatricians showed distinct preferences regarding possible integration of MenB vaccination into the existent immunization schedule. As physicians play a crucial role in the implementation, findings will be useful in decision-making regarding potential introduction.
authors.affiliation: Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: TaklaA@rki.de.
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Takla
authors.affiliation: Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: WichmannO@rki.de.
authors.forename: Ole
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Wichmann
authors.affiliation: Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: KochJ@rki.de.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.affiliation: Primary care pediatrician, Düsseldorfer Strasse 75, 40878 Ratingen, Germany. Electronic address: martin.terhardt@t-online.de.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Terhardt
authors.affiliation: Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: HellenbrandW@rki.de.
authors.forename: Wiebke
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hellenbrand
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D008297:Male; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D014611:Vaccination / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: C570015:4CMenB vaccine; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines
keywords: Acceptance; Children; Immunization schedule; Meningococcal B vaccine; Neisseria meningitidis; Survey