Schenkel K, Radun D, Bremer V, Bocter N, Hamouda O (2008): Viral hepatitis in Germany: poor vaccination coverage and little knowledge about transmission in target groups
BMC Public Health 8: 132.

Background: In Germany, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for infants, children and adolescents since 1995 and for specific target groups since 1982. Little is known about knowledge about viral hepatitis and attitudes toward hepatitis B vaccination - factors likely to influence vaccine uptake.
Methods: In order to estimate vaccination coverage in adult target groups and in the overall adult population and to assess knowledge and attitudes, we conducted a nationwide crosssectional telephone survey among 412 persons in November 2004. We defined participants as being vaccinated if they reported at least one previous vaccination against hepatitis B.

Results: Vaccination coverage (vc) standardised for age, sex and residence was 29.6% in the general population and 58.2% in target groups for hepatitis B vaccination. Particular gaps in vaccine coverage were detected among health care workers (vc: 69.5%) and chronically ill persons (vc: 22.0%). Knowledge on risk factors and transmission was far below expectations, whereas the acceptance of vaccination in the majority of the population (79.0%) was good.
Conclusions: We conclude that educational measures could lead to a higher vaccination uptake in adult target groups.

Further information: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-8-132.pdf