Evolution of strategy and coverage rates for hepatitis B vaccination in France, a country with low endemicity

Both HBV plasma derived vaccines and HBV recombinant vaccines have proved safe and highly immunogenic. In France, exhaustive population surveys have revealed a vaccine coverage rate of over 21,7% and very low three-dose vaccine coverage among infants (19,8%), children (23,3%). and adolescents. Among hospital staff, around 80 to 90% of physicians and health care personnel in public or private hospitals were vaccinated against hepatitis B and the level of coverage was higher among personnel accidentally exposed to blood (90 to 100%). Among risk groups, the specific prevention program against mother-infant transmission was unevenly applied, and between 25 to 45% of intravenous drug abusers, prisoners, or STD patients were vaccinated. These coverage rates are inadequate to obtain a significant reduction and control of hepatitis B infections in France. The complete eradication of HBV transmission might take another 20 years to achieve unless great efforts are made to vaccinate the general population (infants especially) and high-risk groups. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.