[General hepatitis B vaccination in Switzerland: what is the attitude of vaccinating physicians?]

The purpose of this study is to assess Swiss physicians' knowledge on hepatitis B, their perception of parental information concerning this infection, their attitude towards planned universal vaccination, and their agreement with different universal immunisation scenarios. Vaccination scenarios were assessed in the following groups: infants, children at school entry, children aged 11 to 13, and children aged 14 to 16. Furthermore, scenarios involving the immunisation of school-aged children included the administration of the vaccine doses by the child's private physician or by the school health officer. Questionnaires were mailed to members of the Swiss Society of Pediatrics (n = 994), to a random sample of family physicians (n = 1000), to internists practicing general medicine (n = 500), and to chief medical officers of school health services in nine major Swiss cities. Physicians reported that they were sufficiently well informed on the serious potential sequelae of hepatitis B and the efficacy of vaccine prevention, but insufficiently informed on its epidemiology. They do not fundamentally disagree with the introduction of universal immunisation and think that parents are not aware of the potential long term dangers associated with this infection. Pediatricians and general practitioners believe that vaccinating infants at the cost of three extra injections would not be accepted by their peers and parents, and that immunising older children in their office would be feasible though difficult. School health officers believe that the immunisation of children aged 14 to 16 within the school health setting would be feasible. Universal vaccination of older children and adolescents is the scenario that best fits Switzerland's needs, perceptions and present circumstances.