Abstract
BackgroundChildhood immunization has significantly reduced the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases. Parental mistrust over vaccine safety has been associated with vaccine refusal creating barriers on vaccine coverage. Recently, economic crisis has imposed additional impediment.MethodsStudy aim was to evaluate vaccine coverage among infants 2-24 months old in the Athens metropolitan area at the beginning of the economic crisis (2009-2011).ResultsOverall, 1,667 infants were enrolled (mean age 13 months). Less than 5% of parents admitted omitting or postponing vaccination secondary to their beliefs. Although vaccination coverage was acceptable for most vaccines, lower rates of immunization were found for some newer vaccines such as hepatitis A and rotavirus. Multiple regression analysis indicated that parental age, occupational, educational statuses and family size were independently associated with immunization coverage at 6 and 12 months. Interestingly, lack of insurance was not associated with missed vaccine doses.ConclusionIncomplete vaccination coverage was associated with socioeconomic factors. It becomes apparent, that reassessing vaccination priorities under the current economic situation may be needed.
Highlights
Childhood immunization has significantly reduced the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases
We report the results of a prospective survey conducted in 2009-2011, at the beginning of the economic crisis, to assess the vaccination coverage and timely adherence to vaccination scheme among Greek infants aged 2-24 months residing in Metropolitan Athens
180 children (10.8%) were brought without bringing their child's immunization card along. This group of parents were more likely to have more than 3 children (16.2%, 95% CI 11.9%-20.6%, p < 0.01), had finished at least high school, Greek nationality (12.7%, 95% CI 10.4%-15.0%, p = 0.02) and reported visiting the emergency room (ER) for sick visits (14.1%, 95% CI 10.8%17.4%, p < 0.01)
Summary
Childhood immunization has significantly reduced the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases. The Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) was initially adopted by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974 to ensure that infants are fully immunized with the recommended childhood vaccines. Parental concerns about vaccine safety together with the growing complexity of the immunization schedules and the increasing number of injections has lead to a rising number of parents who elect to postpone or even refuse the administration of some vaccines for their children [5].
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