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The future of childhood immunizations: examining the European experience

Hugues Bogaerts

    The American Journal of Managed Care
    |February 5, 2003
    PubMed

    Insights

    Pediatric combination vaccines simplify immunization schedules, offering protection against multiple diseases. Their successful use in Europe suggests they will be readily accepted and widely adopted in the United States.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric infectious disease prevention
    • Vaccinology
    • Public health policy

    Background:

    • Pediatric combination vaccines protecting against multiple diseases are emerging in the US.
    • These vaccines have a proven track record of extensive use in Europe and globally.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the European experience with pediatric combination vaccines.
    • To predict the acceptance and utilization of these vaccines in the United States.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of European clinical practice and vaccine acceptance data.
    • Comparative analysis of immunization schedules in Europe and the US.

    Main Results:

    • Combination vaccines have been well-received and widely adopted in Europe.
    • These vaccines simplify pediatric immunization, reducing the number of injections per visit.
    • German infants receive a maximum of 2 injections per visit with hexavalent vaccines, unlike up to 5 in the US.

    Conclusions:

    • Combination vaccines offer an efficient method for simplifying pediatric immunization schedules.
    • The proven benefits and acceptance in Europe indicate a positive reception for new combination vaccines in the US.
    Abstract

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