Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on children treated at the first level of care in Buenos Aires city, 2019-2020

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, difficulties and/or interruptions in health services were reported in various countries, with the consequent risk to the health of the population. In Argentina, there is evidence of a decrease in vaccination coverage and the frequency of pediatric check-ups. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out in three health centers in the city of Buenos Aires. The number of health check-ups and vaccination schedules, among other variables, were detailed in children born in 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: A total of 505 medical records were reviewed: 202 from 2019 and 303 from 2020. Children born in 2019 and 2020 presented a median of 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 3) health check-ups per patient between 0 and 6 months. Between 7 and 12 months, the median was 2 (IQR 2) in 2019, and in 2020 it was 1 (IQR 2). The 6-month vaccination schedule was complete in 32.68% (66) of the children born in 2019 and 34.65% (105) of those born in 2020. DISCUSSION: The decrease in the number of health check-ups between 7 and 12 months, in the screening studies and in the maternal serologies performed could be attributed to the change in social behavior due to the possibility of contagion and/or difficulties in the movement of people at the beginning of the pandemic. Unlike other studies, a decrease in vaccination coverage was not found in the population studied.