[Vaccination policy in Flanders].

In the recent past (1997) the Flemish authorities have turned the vaccination policy into one of the top priorities of their health policy. Following the WHO-guidelines they have brought forward a health objective anticipating a significant increase of the vaccination rate for a number of infectious diseases by 2002. Recent research shows that attention should be paid especially to measles, mumps and rubella (83% vaccination rate at 18-24 months), hepatitis B (74-69%) and type b haemophilus influenzae (78%). The vaccination rate in Flanders for polio, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough is good or adequate at the age of 18-24 months. In 2000, the Flemish authorities reserve about BEF 80 million for the purchase of basic vaccines distributed for free through their health inspections, just like in the previous years. In order to realise this objective, all medical bodies carrying responsibility in this field are appealed to. Moreover, the local regional consultative bodies, financially supported by the Flemish Community, may be expected to play a stimulating role in, so far, four out of the five Flemish provinces. A strong management from a central Flemish vaccination umbrella organisation is considered to be indispensable in order to have the vaccinating bodies deliberate, have them build a consensus and motivate them. This should result in clear and generally accepted vaccination schedules and a well-informed and sensitised population. A project in view of a rapid and efficient registration of vaccination data in a central Flemish vaccination database, accessible for vaccinating doctors is now running with 'Child and Family' and can subsequently be extended to the entire target group.