Estado de la vacunación en prematuros menores de 1500 g nacidos entre 2004 y 2007 en una institución de tercer nivel de atención

Background

The current recommendation for vaccination in preterm infants is to start it at the chronological age, regardless of their birthweight or gestational age.

Objective

To describe the vaccination status of premature infants born under 1500 g, that were part of the INPer paediatric follow-up program.

Material and methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive cohort study, conducted on infants who attended their clinics from June 2008 to June 2009, and born between 2004 and 2008. The vaccination dates were obtained from their national immunisation record book and, where applicable, the cause of the administration delay was questioned.

Results

The study included 158 infants, of whom 78.5% received all their vaccines in the public sector. A total of 54.5 ± 30.2 days elapsed between discharge and the first application of some immunogen. The vaccination coverage against influenza, with two doses in the first year of life, was: 18.9%, against rotavirus with two doses: 59.5%, acellular pentavalent, three doses: 73.5%, pneumococcus, three doses: 28.2%, BCG: 98.1%, MMR: 100%, and hepatitis B three doses: 77.8%. All immunogens were administered late. The three most frequent causes of immunisation rejection were: low weight and /or prematurity, lack of vaccines, and a history of transfusions.

Conclusions

In premature infants there was a delay in the administration of all the immunogens as regards to the national vaccination recommendation. It is necessary to review the current indications for the administration of immunogens in this population.