Delayed Schedules and Missed Opportunities for Vaccination in Children up to 2 Years Old assisted in Health Care Centers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In Argentina, vaccination coverage is suboptimal. This is reflected in the increased incidence of certain vaccine preventable diseases. It is necessary to identify the population percentage with incomplete schemes and detect the causes of missed opportunities of vaccination (MOV) to improve vaccination coverage, reduce morbidity/mortality and achieve greater equity in health. OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine the proportion of delayed schedules (DS) and MOV in children ≤ 2 years old assisted in health-care centers of Argentina, analyzing the risk factors; and 2) to assess perceived severity, importance assigned by parents to vaccination and sources of information. METHODS: Observational, analytic, cross-sectional study in children ≤ 2 years old. Median or mean values and proportions with 95% CI were calculated, using t-test and chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to evaluate association. RESULTS: 2344 children were surveyed. 29.2% (95% CI: 27.4-31.1) presented DS. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and hepatitis A were the most delayed vaccines, while 12 and 18 months were the age groups with more delay. The best known diseases were measles, rubella and mumps. Over 95% of parents considered that vaccines were important. Predictors of DS were older age, lower socioeconomic status, hospital care and previous information about immunizations. Predictors of MOV were consultation reason, health care site and previous DS. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies should be directed to seize the opportunities of vaccination, train health personnel, educate the population and improve the diffusion of messages.