[Hepatitis B vaccination of children and adolescents]

In the 14 years that have passed since its introduction, the hepatitis B vaccine has proved to be highly immunogenic, effective and very well tolerated. The vaccination, previously performed only in persons at high risk of contracting hepatitis B, in particular medical personnel, has appreciably reduced the incidence of hepatitis B in this group. The incidence of the disease in the general population, however, has been reduced only marginally. Thus, the sole possibility of resolving the hepatitis B problem is to introduce general vaccination. To this end, the The Ständige Impfkommission (STIKO) has included hepatitis B vaccination in the catalog of vaccinations for children and adolescents. The greatest importance must probably attach to vaccination of young children, in whom hepatitis B vaccination is carried out along the same lines as the diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccination, within the framework of which it can therefore be administered, thus making possible a wide application. However, the 12-15 year-old age group should also be involved in the vaccination program, for this is the group on the threshold of the periods of greatest danger of infection, which begins with the initiation of first sexual relationships.