[2017 vaccination guidelines update and practical review of vaccination schedule for practitioners]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health periodically revises national immunization schedules.
• Recent updates aim to enhance protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly pertussis.
• Healthcare professionals require clear guidelines for disseminating vaccination information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the 2017 revised Swiss immunization schedule.
• To highlight key changes in pertussis and DTPa-IPV vaccination guidelines.
• To review available resources for healthcare providers and the public regarding vaccination.

Main Methods:

• Review of the official 2017 immunization schedule from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.
• Analysis of specific recommendations for acellular pertussis and DTPa-IPV boosters.
• Compilation of information on updated vaccination guidelines and support materials.

Main Results:

• Introduction of acellular pertussis vaccination recommendations for pregnant women.
• Mandatory 10-year acellular pertussis booster for adults in close contact with infants.
• Updated guidelines for DTPa-IPV boosters from age 4, including reduced antigen options.

Conclusions:

• The 2017 schedule incorporates crucial updates for pertussis and DTPa-IPV immunization.
• These revisions aim to improve population immunity and protect vulnerable groups, especially infants.
• Dissemination of accurate vaccination information through healthcare professionals is vital.