[Routine preventive vaccinations]

In 1996, a second measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination at the time of school entry was included in the Swiss Childhood Immunization schedule, and universal hepatitis B immunization will likely be added in 1998. An additional innovation is the possibility to use acellular pertussis vaccines which have a lower rate of side effects. Each physician who is involved in immunizations should be familiar with the arguments that support the official immunization recommendations in order to be able to provide competent advice to patients or their parents.