[Vaccination coverage against hepatitis B in first-grade children, Paris, 2002-2008]

The French controversy over the possible risks of vaccination against hepatitis B seems to have resulted in a slowdown or delay in vaccination of target populations since the mid-1990s. This article reports the results of the analysis of vaccination coverage against hepatitis B of first-grade children in Paris between 2002 and 2008.

Retrospective and descriptive study of vaccination status against hepatitis B for children born between 1997 and 2002 and attending first grade in a Paris school between 2002 and 2008, using anonymous data from the prevention service of the city of Paris.

The analysis included 108,114 children whose Health Book (carnet de santé) included sociodemographic data and the presence of at least one diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination. Among these targeted children, 66,597 (61.6%) had started a vaccination against hepatitis B, 61,190 (56.6%) were considered "vaccinated" (at least three doses), and 47,489 (43.9%) "adequately vaccinated" (at least three doses respecting the prescribed intervals between injections). The sociodemographic factors associated with hepatitis B coverage were as follows: Paris arrondissement where the child attended school, year, and country of birth.

Nearly 40% of the children in this cohort had not been vaccinated against hepatitis B before beginning first grade. They have now become adolescents aged 12-17 years. Current data indicate that only one-third of them have benefited from the catch-up campaign. This finding reinforces the need for vigilance on the vaccination status of adolescents against hepatitis B.