Compliance with Hepatitis B Vaccination Guidelines for Children and Adolescents Aged 3 to 17 in Germany from 2014 to 2017: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study - Report - MDSpire

Compliance with Hepatitis B Vaccination Guidelines for Children and Adolescents Aged 3 to 17 in Germany from 2014 to 2017: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study

  • By

  • Sofie Gillesberg Lassen

  • Thomas Harder

  • Sandra Dudareva

  • Klaus Stark

  • Christina Poethko-Müller

  • January 16, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Compliance with Hepatitis B Vaccination Guidelines for Children in Germany

Overview

This study assesses the adherence to hepatitis B vaccination guidelines among children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 in Germany from 2014 to 2017. Findings indicate a significant gap in vaccination coverage and adherence to recommended dosing schedules, highlighting the need for improved strategies to meet public health goals.

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant public health threat, particularly in Europe, where it is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Effective vaccination strategies are crucial for prevention, especially in childhood, as early infection can lead to chronic conditions. The WHO aims for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, necessitating high vaccination coverage.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data or trial data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Vaccination coverage for HBV in Germany ranged from 86.9% to 88.3% between 2013 and 2018.
  • For children born in 2016, HBV vaccination coverage at 24 months was estimated at 75.5%.
  • Only 42% of children born in 2014 completed the recommended vaccination series by 15 months of age.
  • There has been a persistent gap between DPT and HBV vaccination coverage, although this gap has been closing since 2015.
  • Adherence to the recommended six-month interval between the last two doses of HBV vaccination is not consistently reported.

Clinical Implications

Suggest specific strategies or programs that have been effective in other regions.

Conclusion

Reiterate the importance of aligning with WHO goals and suggest potential interventions.

References

  1. ECDC, AER-Hepatitis-B-2023 -- Hepatitis B AER for 2023
  2. Infection, Assessment of HPV Vaccination Rates in Males -- HPV Vaccination Rates in Germany
  3. Infection, Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response -- Quality of Life Among Children
  4. Infection, Safety Assessment of the BNT162b2 Vaccine -- Safety Assessment of the BNT162b2 Vaccine
  5. Infection, Prevalence of Hepatitis D Virus Infection -- Coinfection with HIV and Hepatitis B
  6. Epidemiologisches Bulletin 14/2025 -- Epidemiologisches Bulletin 14/2025
  7. Long-term immune protection after infant hepatitis B vaccination -- Long-term immune protection
  8. Hepatitis B AER for 2023
  9. Epidemiologisches Bulletin 14/2025
  10. Full article: Long-term immune protection after infant hepatitis B vaccination in children

Original Source(s)

Related Content