[Updating immunization schedules in France].

Complete updating of the immunization schedules can be a major problem in children arriving in France from developing countries either to join their families or to be adopted. It is necessary to determine which vaccinations have already been administered prior to arrival in France and if necessary complete the schedule in accordance with the French immunization schedule. In case of doubt or difficulty in reading or interpreting records, it may be helpful to obtain a translation or consult the prevailing immunization schedule in the country of origin. In case of doubt about the quality of previous vaccination due to missing immunization records, the child should be considered as exposed and undergo vaccination. For vaccination requiring a series of injections, circulating antibodies should be measured after the first dose. The series should be completed only if results show a primary reaction. This approach avoids administration of unnecessary doses.