In January 2013, the European Medicines Agency licensed 4CMenB (Bexsero®), a novel multi-component MenB vaccine based on subcapsular proteins [5]. Strain coverage for Germany was estimated at 82% [6]. In pre-licensure studies, the vaccine induced satisfactory Palbociclib manufacturer immunogenicity; but definitive data on effect on meningococcal carriage, vaccine effectiveness and rare adverse events are still pending [7]. The number of required doses varies from 2 to 3 primary immunizations with/without 1 booster, depending on age at first dose [8]. Reactogenity

of Bexsero® is increased particularly in infants when administered concomitantly with routine vaccines (Infanrix hexa® and Prevenar®) compared to routine vaccines only or Bexsero® only [9]. Bexsero® was marketed in Germany in

December 2013. To be included in the German national immunization schedule and reimbursed by statutory health insurance, a new vaccine must be recommended by the German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO). STIKO recommendations are officially endorsed by 15 of the 16 federal states. While not legally binding, these recommendations are considered the medical standard in liability cases [10]. The currently recommended infant immunization schedule is shown in Fig. 1. Childhood immunizations are almost exclusively administered by privately practicing pediatricians on a fee-for-service basis [11]. In developing see more evidence-based recommendations, STIKO follows a standard operating procedure to evaluate all available evidence on vaccine efficacy/effectiveness and safety, but also on other aspects, such as implementability of the potential recommendation, including possible obstacles and likely acceptance of the vaccine [12]. Physicians play a crucial role for acceptance: in a representative survey among parents in Germany,

93% about indicated that the physician was the main source of information regarding vaccination [13]. Another German study found that physicians’ attitudes toward vaccination are predictive of vaccination coverage [14]. Similarly, a survey in Australia described that parents’ potential willingness to have their child receive Bexsero® was most strongly influenced by a recommendation of the family doctor [15]. The aim of our study was to assess attitudes among pediatricians towards MenB vaccination and its potential use in Germany, with an emphasis on the perceived need for such a vaccine, the feasibility of integrating it into the existing immunization schedule and possible implications for other routine childhood vaccinations. In November 2013, we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey among the 5677 privately practicing pediatricians with membership in the German Professional Association for Pediatricians (BVKJ), representing 96% of all privately practicing pediatricians in Germany [16].