[Hepatitis B vaccination in France: vaccination coverage in 2002].

In parts of Europe where the relevant data are available, the vaccinal coverage rate of children against hepatitis B virus ranges from 27.5 to 99.0% and that of adolescents from 52 to 98%. In France, an exhaustive population survey conducted in 2002 revealed an overall vaccine coverage rate of over 21.7% and very low three-dose coverage rates among infants (19.8%), children (23.3%), and adolescents (46.2%) which are inadequate to protect future generations from HBV infection and its consequences. Unless major efforts are made to vaccinate these populations and high-risk groups, complete elimination of HBV transmission might take another 20 years to achieve.