Immunisation schedule of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics: 2017 recommendations

Abstract

The Vaccine Advisory Committee of the Spanish Paediatrics Association (CAV-AEP) annually publishes the immunisation schedule which, in our opinion, is optimal for children resident in Spain, considering the evidence available on current vaccines. Pneumococcal and varicella immunisation in early childhood is already included in all of the funded vaccines present in the regional immunisation programmes. Furthermore, this Committee establishes recommendations about vaccines not included in official calendars (non-funded immunisations) such as like rotavirus, meningococcal B, and meningococcal ACWY.As regards funded immunisations, the 2+1 strategy (2, 4, 11–12 months) with hexavalent (DTPa-IPV-Hib-HB), and 13-valent pneumococcal vaccines are recommended.Administration of the 6-year booster dose with DTPa is recommended, and a poliomyelitis dose for children who had received the 2+1 scheme, as well as Tdap vaccine for adolescents and pregnant women between 27 and 32 weeks’ gestation.The two-dose scheme should be used for MMR (12months and 2–4years) and varicella (15months and 2–4years).Coverage of human papillomavirus vaccination in girls aged 12 with a two dose scheme (0, 6months) should be improved. Information and recommendation for male adolescents about potential beneficial effects of this immunisation should also be provided.Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is the optimal choice in adolescents.As regards the recommended unfunded immunisations, the CAV-AEP recommends the administration of meningococcal B vaccine, due to the current availability in Spanish community pharmacies, with a 3+1 scheme. The CAV-AEP requests the incorporation of this vaccine into the funded unified schedule. Vaccination against rotavirus is recommended in all infants.