[The expanded WHO vaccination program and the vaccination strategy in East Germany]

Evaluating the current stage and future trends of WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), conclusions for national immunization strategies have been considered. The global eradication of poliomyelitis is an important target. In 1988, an Immunization Advisory Group of the Ministry of Health has been founded. Recommendations regarding the update of immunization schedule have been elaborated. Changes are foreseen for BCG (deletion of revaccination), rubella (implementation of immunization for all girls aged 11/12 years), diphtheria (diphtheria/tetanus booster for adults), and measles (2-shot-strategy for young children and schoolchildren.