Vaccination contre l’hépatite B : évolution de la couverture vaccinale ; impact en santé publique, limites de la vaccination, nouveaux vaccins

Abstract

With a prevalence of HBs antigen carriage of 0.65 %, France belongs to low endemic countries for hepatitis B virus (HB V) infection. HBV attributable mortality is estimated to be 2.21100 000 habitants. No risk factor is found in 30 % of new infections. Vaccination effectiveness in decreasing not only the latter, but subsequently the HBs Ag carriage is well documented in high and low endemic countries. With immunization rates below 80 % in infants and 33 % in adolescents, France needs to dramatically improve compliance to the national immunisation recommendations, targeting not only the latest, but also new-borns to HBs Ag positive mothers, and all individuals at higher risk towards HB V infection. High vaccine coverage rates were reachedfor hepatitis B vaccination in teenagers nearly two decades ago (1995), but controversy sharply decreased the rate of vaccination in France, requiring high remobilization in its favour and careful monitoring of vaccine coverage rates. Vaccination for the global population should be promoted as indicated in the " National policy for the improvement of vaccination 2012-2017 >> project by facilitating access to vaccination, improving the monitoring and the assessment of the vaccine policy. This means that human and material means are required as well as a clear proactive, and coherent policy.