Abstract

GENTILE, Ángela et al. Delayed vaccine schedule and missed opportunities for vaccination in children up to 24 months: A multicenter study. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2011, vol.109, n.3, pp.219-225. ISSN 0325-0075.

Introduction. Delayed vaccine schedule (DVS) and missed opportunities of vaccination (MOV) are some of the main causes of low coverage in children ≤24 month in Argentina. Objectives. To determine the prevalence of DVS and the rate of MOV during the frst 24 months of life and risk factors for their occurrence. Population and methods. We conducted a survey among children ≤24 month's caregivers at five hospitals in different departments, between August-December/2008. Results. Total enrolled: 1591 children; 54.2% male, median of age 8 months (0-24 months). Eighty percent concurred with vaccine-card, 75.9% consulted by pathology. Overall DVS rate: 39.7%. Most common DVS reason: the current mild disease: 38.5%. Overall MOV rate: 19.8%. Most common MOV reason: no detection of the need to vaccinate 47.8%. DTPHib and OPV vaccines had a higher risk of DVS and MOV. DVS independent predictors: age ≥6 months, administration for additionally recommended vaccines and prolonged waiting in the last vaccination. MOV independent predictors were: age ≥6 months, no compliance with prior care, and not asking for vaccines. Conclusion. We found a high proportion of MOV and mainly of DVS; they were associated mostly to false contraindications, lack of questioning on vaccines and difficulties in the quality of care provided to parents.

Keywords : Delayed vaccine schedule; Missed opportunities of vaccination; Vaccination coverage.

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