Survey of pediatricians in Germany reveals important challenges for possible implementation of meningococcal B

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Anja Takla1, Ole Wichmann1, Judith Koch1

  • 1Immunization Unit, Robert Koch Institute, Seestrasse 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany.

Vaccine
|October 5, 2014
PubMed

Insights

German pediatricians support meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccination, with most recommending it. They prefer a 6, 8, and 12-month schedule and separate administration, but some worry about impacting other vaccine uptake.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Vaccinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) incidence in Germany is low (0.5/100,000).
  • Serogroup B (MenB) is the most common cause of IMD, particularly in infants (5.9/100,000).
  • A MenB vaccine received European licensure in 2013.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate German pediatricians' attitudes towards MenB vaccination.
  • To understand their preferences for vaccine scheduling and administration.
  • To assess potential barriers to MenB vaccine uptake.

Main Methods:

  • Nationwide cross-sectional survey distributed to 5677 pediatricians.
  • 3107 participants completed the survey (55% response rate).
  • Data collected on recommendation likelihood, preferred schedules, and administration timing.

Main Results:

  • 79.1% of surveyed pediatricians would recommend MenB vaccination.
  • 66.7% favored a 6, 8, and 12-month vaccination schedule.
  • 63.2% preferred administering the MenB vaccine separately from other routine immunizations.

Conclusions:

  • German pediatricians demonstrate a positive attitude towards MenB vaccination.
  • Distinct preferences exist regarding scheduling and administration, influencing potential implementation.
  • Physician recommendations are critical for successful vaccine introduction and uptake.
Keywords:
AcceptanceChildrenImmunization scheduleMeningococcal B vaccineNeisseria meningitidisSurvey

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