Vaccination experiences of premature children in a retrospective hospital-based cohort in a Chinese metropolitan area

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background In China, premature children in good health may be advised to receive routine immunization programs. However, delayed vaccination is common. This study aimed to characterize vaccination experiences of premature children and determine the impact of vaccination consultation clinic (VCC) assessment. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study, including premature children visiting VCC at Children’s Hospital of Fudan University in 2017–2019. Data of these children, including demographics, recommendations of vaccination after VCC assessment, vaccination records, adverse events following immunization (AEFI), and incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in 2017–2019, were collected retrospectively. Results A total of 1124 premature children were included, with vaccination uptake of 46.3% for expanded program of immunization (EPI) vaccines and 15.1% for non-EPI vaccines before VCC assessment. Furthermore, 77.5% of premature children who had not received any EPI vaccine were vaccinated after the assessment; however, most were delayed, regardless of vaccine types and recommendations. In contrast, 67.3% was vaccinated with non-EPI vaccines after the assessment. Majority (n = 35) of recorded AEFI was mild to moderate, in addition to one allergic rash. One each case of pertussis and varicella were recorded in those who had not received the corresponding vaccines. Conclusion Vaccination may be safe and epidemiological effective in premature children. However, it remains mostly delayed in premature children with recommendations of normal vaccination. It warrants improving implementation of VCC recommendations. In addition, there is a need of health promotion on more non-EPI vaccines for premature children.