Affiliation:
1. Pediatric Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
2. Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
4. Pediatric Clinic, Komotini General Hospital, Komotini, Greece
5. First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
6. Directorate of Research, Studies and Documentation, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
Abstract
Although all European countries have vaccination policies for children, there are no comprehensive studies of pediatric vaccination programs in Europe. We studied vaccination programs for children in Europe. Vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, and influenza existed in 42 countries, against human papilloma virus in 41 countries, and against pneumococcus in 40 countries. In addition, the following vaccinations existed: against tuberculosis (35 countries), hepatitis A (33), meningococcus A, C, W, Y (30), rotavirus and varicella (28 countries each), meningococcus B (24), tick-born encephalitis (22), and meningococcus C (16). Mandatory vaccinations are implemented in 21 countries, mainly against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, H. influenzae type b, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, tuberculosis, and pneumococcus. There are significant differences among pediatric vaccination programs in Europe regarding number, schedules, indications, and regulatory frame (recommended or mandatory vaccinations). A consensus-based vaccination program for all children is needed.
Subject
Pediatrics,Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health