Adherencia a las inmunizaciones en niños con necesidades de cuidado médico especial

Abstract

The proportion of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) due to chronic illness is increasing. They have a high risk of complications due to infectious diseases. Objective. To describe adherence to the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) and administration of other expert recommended vaccines in CSHCN. Patients and methods. In a retrospective manner information on chronic disease, EPI vaccines administration, reasons for delays, prescription and administration of additionally recommended vaccines was registered in a cohort of hospitalized CSHCN. Results. Seventy children were analyzed. Thirty (42.9%) had at least one delay in EPI immunization schedule; 40% due to previous hospitalizations, 26.7% due to minor morbidity and 20% due to other unjustified reasons. Forty-nine (70.0%) received prescriptions for additional vaccines, but only 25 actually received them. Conclusions. CSHCN showed low adherence to EPI and received few additionally recommended vaccines. Every contact with these patients, including hospitalization should be used to update immunizations.