[Vaccination status of children and adolescents in Schleswig-Holstein. Principles and initial experiences of an assessment throughout the district].

Isolated ("punctual") spot checks in individual cities or regions of Federal Lands cannot result in a convincing pattern of the degree of vaccination achieved. In January 1988 the Land of Slesvig-Holstein started the statistical recording of complete protection by vaccination in accordance with age (preventive health care for children and adolescents by protective vaccination). The Medical Services for Juveniles carry out this work which also includes counselling, for four age groups (5 to 14 years). Statistics are compiled on the basis of documents proving the vaccination. Achievement of complete protection is recorded, including regular and delayed results for measles, mumps, BCG, pertussis and rubella. Such long-term statistics on results can be obtained only if all the work teams of youth doctors cooperate and if they are properly motivated to determine the state of health of the population.