[Active and passive immunization: 1991 status].

Contrary to the regular immunization schedule for children, the majority of immunization are done in adulthood in case of special risks only, such as old age, chronic illness or exposure. The protection against a variety of communicable diseases has to be monitored and if necessary to be boosted regularly. Based on the routine vaccination scheme 1991 of the Federal Department of Public Health, the following vaccinations which are commercially available in Switzerland are discussed in this review: diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae, hepatitis B, influenza, measles + mumps + rubella, meningococci, pertussis, pneumococci, poliomyelitis, tetanus, rabies, tuberculosis, varicella and tick encephalitis. Furthermore, the current recommendations are given for the prophylactic and therapeutic use of immunoglobuline preparations.