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[The Austrian vaccination plan]
G Wiedermann1, F Ambrosch, M Eibl
1Institut für Spezifische Prophylaxe und Tropenmedizin, Universität Wien.
Insights
The 1991 immunization guidelines for children maintain similar recommendations to 1989, with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination reserved for high-risk individuals. Diphtheria-tetanus and pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus vaccinations remain standard, with booster doses using reduced diphtheria-toxoid.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Medicine
- Immunology
Context:
- The Supreme Board of Health updated child immunization recommendations in March 1991.
- These guidelines largely mirrored 1989 recommendations but included revised formulations.
- Specific changes addressed the role of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination.
Purpose:
- To outline the updated national immunization schedule for children.
- To clarify indications for specific vaccines, particularly BCG.
- To inform healthcare providers about changes in vaccination protocols.
Summary:
- BCG vaccination is no longer a general recommendation, shifted to special indications for high-risk groups.
- Routine immunizations include diphtheria-tetanus and pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus vaccines.
- Booster vaccinations at school entry will utilize a reduced diphtheria-toxoid dose to minimize adverse reactions.
Impact:
- Revised BCG vaccination strategy aims to optimize resource allocation and reduce unnecessary exposure.
- Standardized vaccination schedules ensure consistent pediatric care.
- Modified booster doses aim to improve vaccine safety and patient tolerance.
Abstract:
In March 1991 the Supreme Board of Health issued new recommendations for immunization of children which are basically similar to those issued in 1989, but were partially reformulated. Again, BCG vaccination is not generally recommended and should be given only to individuals at high risk of contracting the disease. It is therefore not listed any more in the general recommendations (A) but only mentioned under special vaccinations (B). Special indications for BCG vaccination were clearly reformulated. Vaccinations against diphtheria-tetanus or pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus are recommended as usual, an oral pertussis vaccine is presently not available and an acellular pertussis vaccine is under study. Booster vaccinations at school entry will be performed with a low dose of diphtheria-toxoid to avoid local side reactions.