[Vaccinology update 2005: a new category of recommendations for optimal vaccine protection]

A new category of vaccination recommendation was introduced to increase the equity of the access to the information that relatively rare but severe diseases may be prevented by immunization. This decision was supported by the observation of a 2-level vaccination practice in Switzerland, reflected by the fact that children from paediatrician parents are better immunized than other children. The introduction of "additional recommended vaccinations" to the baseline immunizations should correct this inequity. In 2006, parents may choose to protect their children against meningitis and invasive diseases caused by pneumococcus or group C meningococcus. The challenge is now to inform parents about this new possibility of an optimal prevention, in addition to baseline immunizations.