[Vaccination against hepatitis B in France in 1996]

A national campain aimed at promoting immunization against hepatitis B was launched in 1994. Two years later, a survey was designed to estimate the situation of the hepatitis B vaccination in France. Around ninety per cent of physicians were hepatitis B vaccinated. The rate of vaccinated population among public hospitals personnel were more than 90% and lower in private hospitals (79%). A quarter of the general population was vaccinated and the higher rate (69%) was observed in the 13-20 years young people. Progressively the contribution of the physicians to the vaccination was increasing (89% in 1996). After a selective vaccination of risk groups and the instauration of the prevention of mother/infant transmission, the French programme was extended to cover adolescents and children. The success of the hepatitis B vaccination campain was obtained by the promotion message toward population and physicians.