Trends in Urban Immunization Coverage in India: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

Objectives To assess the gaps and trends in child immunization coverage among urban and rural areas in India, and compare the success of immunisation program in each. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Crossref, and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched on October 9, 2019, and March 21, 2020, for studies that measured and reported immunization coverage indicators in India. Random-efects metaanalyses and meta-regressions were conducted. Results The authors' search identifed 545 studies, and 2 were obtained by expert suggestion. Among these 68 studies and 6 surveys were included. They found that full immunization coverage has grown yearly at 2.65% and 0.82% in rural and urban areas, respectively whereas partial immunization coverage declined by ?2.44% and ?0.69%, respectively. Percentage of nonimmunized children did not show a statistically signifcant trend in either. Conclusion While rural immunization coverage has seen a large increase over the past two decades, the progress in urban areas is weak and negligible. This was largely attributable to a focus on minimizing dropouts in rural areas. However, a lack of signifcant reduction in unimmunized children may indicate left-out children or pockets in both rural and urban areas. The poor performance of immunization programs in urban areas, coupled with a larger impact of COVID-19, warrants that India urgently adopts urban-sensitive and urban-focused policies and programs.

A review of the current diphtheria outbreaks

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is responsible for both endemic and epidemic diphtheria. The predisposing factor for this disease is the failure to immunize during childhood. Humans are the only hosts of the organism and is present in the upper respiratory tract. The organism is transmitted via airborne route and can cause respiratory obstruction and heart failure because of the exotoxin it produces. There is presently a resurgence of diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) was notified of suspected diphtheria outbreaks in Lagos and Kano States, Nigeria, in December 2022 and has been issuing monthly reports since that time. This review of the diphtheria outbreaks following online database searches on PubMed and Google Scholar as well as the NCDC/WHO websites and grey literatures, describes the current trend of the outbreaks globally, elucidated the different strains of Corynebacterium responsible for the outbreaks, identified the recent vaccine formulation developed to tackle the outbreaks, and provide information on vaccine delivery and efficacy studies in the country and globally.

Status of Immunization Coverage among Preschool Children in an Area of South Delhi, New Delhi, India

Background: High levels of immunization coverage in children can ensure the control of vaccine - preventable diseases, and there are various factors that can affect preschool immunization. Studies that focus on vaccination coverage in various populations are crucial for identifying the vaccination status of a given community and for strategizing the national programs. This study assessed the vaccination coverage in preschool children living in a resettlement colo ny in an area of New Delhi. Methods: This community - based cross - sectional study was conducted in JJ Colony, Madanpur Khadar Extension of South Delhi, New Delhi between October 2008 to January 2009, in 100 preschool children between 24 – 47 months of age, w ith equal number in both genders. No significant association of the vaccination status with factors like gender of the children, educational, or socio - economic condition, was found in this study. Results: Out of a total of 100 children studied, forty - four children (44%) were fully vaccinated, forty - nine children (49%) were partially immunised, and seven children (7%) were not vaccinated. Vaccines for diphtheria - tetanus - pertussis (DPT - I) and oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV - I) had the maximum coverage (92%) whil e DPT Booster and OPV Booster had the lowest (44%). Conclusion: Future possibilities and potential for evaluating vaccination coverage should be explored in vulnerable areas like resettlement colonies, in migrant populations and in urban poor sections of s ociety to get estimates on the gap in vaccination coverage in such areas.

Análise da cobertura vacinal e a prevalência de internações por doenças do trato respiratório por agentes imunopreveníveis no período de janeiro de 2015 a julho de 2020 / Analysis of vaccine coverage and prevalence of hospitalizations by respiratory tract vaccine-preventable diseases in the period from january 2015 to july 2020

Introdução: as infecções respiratórias das vias aéreas são frequentes no nosso meio. O combate dessas infecções ocorre por meio da introdução dos antimicrobianos, quando indicados, e a profilaxia através da imunização, reduzindo a incidência das infecções e suas complicações. Objetivo: avaliar a cobertura vacinal para agentes causadores de infecções do trato respiratório e a prevalência de internações por essas afecções no Brasil no período de 2015 a 2020. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo, cujos dados foram obtidos por meio do banco de dados proveniente do DATASUS, Sistema de Internação Hospitalar e Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunizações. A seleção ocorreu por meio dos registros de indivíduos que foram imunizados no Brasil, por região e por ano de imunização das vacinas Pneumocócica, Pneumocócica 1º reforço, Tríplice viral D1, Tríplice viral 2, Tetra Viral, Pentavalente e Influenza. Resultados: ao decorrer dos anos, observou-se uma redução significativa da cobertura vacinal de todas as vacinas analisadas, com a região Norte apresentando o menor registro em todos os anos. Em relação a taxa de internações por pneumonia, a região Sudeste obteve as maiores taxas. Houve um aumento importante de internamentos por influenza na região Centro-Oeste em 2019. As taxas de internação por sarampo aumentaram significativamente no ano de 2018, principalmente na região Norte. Conclusão: apesar da redução progressiva nas taxas de cobertura vacinal das regiões brasileiras nos últimos anos, as taxas de internação para pneumonia e influenza tendem a queda, com aumento mais expressivo dos internamentos por sarampo no período analisado.

Introduction: respiratory airway infections are frequent infections. These infections are fought through use of antimicrobials, when indicated, and prophylaxis is done through immunization, reducing the incidence of infections and their complications. Objective: to evaluate vaccine coverage for agents responsible for respiratory tract infections and the prevalence of hospitalizations for these conditions in Brazil from 2015 to 2020. Methods: This is a descriptive epidemiological study. Data were obtained through the database from the Department of Informatics of SUS, Hospitalization System and Information System from the National Vaccination Program. Selection was conducted through analysis of the records of individuals who were vaccinated in Brazil, by region and by year of vaccination for the Pneumococcal and Pneumococcal 1st booster dose vaccines, first and second doses for Triple Viral vaccine, Tetra Viral vaccine, Pentavalent vaccine and influenza. Expected Results: over the years, there has been a significant reduction in vaccination coverage, with the Northern brazilian presenting the lowest record in all years. Regarding the rate of hospitalizations for pneumonia, the Southeastern had the highest rates. Assessing influenza, there was a more significant increase in the Midwest. Measles hospitalization rates increased significantly in 2018, especially North, despite disease eradication in 2016, with a parallel registry of reduction in vaccination coverage in the period analysed. Conclusion: Despite the progressive reduction in vaccination coverage rates in Brazilian in recent years, the hospitalization rates for pneumonia and influenza tend to fall, with a more expressive increase in hospitalizations for measles in the analyzed period.

Evaluation of Village-level Childhood Immunization Coverage in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Measles as indicator? / Lao Medical Journal

Background@#Outbreaks of vaccine preventable-disease control and elimination are impeded by impaired focal vaccination uptake. Therefore, we aimed at assessing vaccination uptake and comparing with passive surveillance (PS) report at village level.@*Methods@#A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the villages covered by two health centers in Bolikhamxay province, including non-Hmong and Hmong ethnic groups. Data collection was conducted by interviewing mothers or caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months. The vaccination status was identified by vaccination cards, and compared with PS report at village level, which was collected from health centers. The Pearson’s chi-square test was used to compare these proportions, and pairwise correlation was used for the correlation of observed vaccination coverage.@*Finding@#Sixteen villages were included, nine were from Luk52 health center area and 7 from Namkhou health center area. There was a significantly strong correlation for pentavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Japanese encephalitis, Measles and Rubella and full immunization coverage compared to others. This correlation was not observed in the non-Hmong population. Amongst non-Hmong, the recorded coverage was lower in PS than in the survey regardless of type of vaccine. In contrast, amongst Hmong most vaccines had higher recorded coverage in PS than in the survey except Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) and hepatitis B at birth dose. MR and JEV vaccine, commonly given at the same time, were the only one that did not have significantly different coverage between PS and the survey (p<0.334).@*Conclusion@#The mis-estimatation of immunization coverage from the PS reporting system highlights further research needed to determine a better indicator of village-level vaccination coverage, but measles could be an indicator of prioritizing the settings.

Quality of routine immunization service: Perception of clients

Background: Immunization prevents over 2�million deaths each year worldwide. In India, even though vaccines are offered free of cost at public health facilities the coverage remains low. Limited scrutiny has been conducted at health service and client interface for routine immunization (RI) services, which may have been affecting the acceptance of vaccines. This emphasizes the importance of assessing the level of satisfaction and perceived quality of clients regarding RI services. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the perceived quality and level of overall general satisfaction with RI services of clients. In addition, determine the association of factors influencing clients perceived quality and overall general satisfaction with RI services. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urbanized village of Delhi from November 2015 to April 2017. A total of 279 RI visits were covered in the study, and the clients were interviewed at their residence using a pretested tool. Results: The dissatisfaction toward the domains of perceived quality of RI services was reported to be 3.2% for vaccine availability, 9.7% for vaccine information, 3.2% for staff behavior, 6.1% for doctor behavior, and 7.5% for infrastructure. Multivariable-regression analysis indicated that distance to health facility, literacy and age of the client, doctor behavior, staff behavior, and infrastructure had an effect on overall general satisfaction of client toward RI services. Conclusions: The client's perception is multidimensional; improvement in one domain is likely to strengthen the other. By understanding the client's perspective toward quality of RI service, the health-care mangers may improve the level of overall satisfaction.

Evaluation of factors, associated with defaulting routine immunization in children

Background: India was one of the first countries to adopt the World Health Organization's Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI). The program started globally in 1974 and was initiated in India in 1978. Immunization is considered to be one of the most important cost-effective and a powerful public health intervention. Achieving maximum coverage, however, has been a challenge due to many reasons, including high rates of defaulters from the program. The term 'defaulter' is used to refer a child who misses the scheduled vaccinations for any reason. The objective of this study was to explore the reasons behind defaulting from the routine immunization program.Methods: A study was conducted in Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, Bangalore between January 2012 and December 2012. A total of sixty six children's' details were gathered from mothers of defaulted children. Children below 5 years attending OPD were included in the study. Children above 5 years and inpatients were excluded. Observations and review of relevant documents was done.Results: Of the 66 children, in our study, males were more than females. Children in the age group of 2 years to 5 years were 17(25%) as compared to those between 1 to 2 years. Mothers were more literate than fathers. Muslim children had the best immunization coverage. The main determinant of defaulting was lack of knowledge and awareness regarding immunization by the mothers (21/31%) followed by sickness in children (11/16%), causing them to default immunization schedulesConclusions: The main reason for defaulting from the immunization program was lack of awareness, regarding immunization by mothers in the community.

Predisposing, Enabling, And Reinforcing Factors That Influence Full Basic Immunization Coverage In Bangkalan District, Madura Island In 2017

@#The cases of morbidity and mortality of babies and toddlers are continue to occur because of negligence of the mothers in providing complete basic immunization to their babies. This study is a cross-sectional study that was conducted to identify the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that influence full basic immunization coverage. The study was performed on mothers who had 9-12 months old child spread in 22 villages, purposively selected through from 22 community health centers in Bangkalan District, Madura Island. 200 mothers were selected as the study's respondents. The data were collected through questionnaires and from the book of "Kesehatan Ibu dan Anak" (KIA). The result of the study was obtained using logistic regression statistical test and it showed that the factors that influenced of full basic immunization coverage in Bangkalan District, Madura Island, were family income as predisposing factor (OR=2.26; 95% CI= 1.14 to 4.51; p= 0.020); health facility as enabling factor (OR=3.03; 95% CI= 1.59 to 5.80; p= 0.001); and community leader support as reinforcing factor (OR=2.56; 95% CI= 1.33 to 4.92; p= 0.005).

40 years of immunization in Mozambique: a narrative review of literature, accomplishments, and perspectives / Quarenta anos de imunização em Moçambique: uma revisão narrativa da literatura, avanços e perspectivas / 40 años de inmunización en Mozambique: una revisión narrativa de la literatura, logros y perspectivas

In Mozambique, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) was implemented in 1979 with the objective of reducing child mortality and morbidity through the provision of immunization services. This study aims to describe the characteristics of the EPI and review the available information related to immunization service in Mozambique, its accomplishments and perspectives. A narrative review of the literature was carried out and the electronic databases accessed were VHL, Google Scholar, and PubMed between 1979 and 2019, using descriptors related to the theme. A total of 28 articles and other relevant sources have been consulted for the review. The national immunization coverage in Mozambique between 1997 (47%) and 2015 (66%) improved 19 percentual points; also immunization coverage of children under 12 months has increased from 44.3% (1997) to 57% (2015). The 2015 survey showed that out of the 11 provinces, only the southern and Cabo Delgado province could reach the 80% recommended goal at the provincial level. Zambézia, Nampula, and Tete provinces have been reporting low coverage over the years and Cabo Delgado presents coverage oscillation. The BCG, DPT3, Polio 3, and measles have reached 80% of coverage goal from 1997 to 2015. Our analysis have shown important improvements in national immunization, characterized by an overall increase in the national and provincial coverage and a decrease in the number of children that did not receive any vaccine. Despite these improvements, some provinces have lower coverages than expected and it is necessary to understand the determinants of dropout in children to retain them and provide timely and full immunization.

Em Moçambique, o Programa Alargado de Vacinação (PAV) foi implementado em 1979 com o compromisso de reduzir a morbimortalidade na população infantil através dos serviços de imunização. O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever as características do PAV e revisar as informações disponíveis relacionadas aos serviços de imunização em Moçambique, os avanços e perspectivas. Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa da literatura, e as bases de dados acessadas foram BVS, Google Scholar e PubMed, entre 1979 e 2019, usando descritores relacionados ao tema. A revisão acessou um total de 28 artigos científicos, além de outras fontes relevantes. A cobertura nacional de vacinação em Moçambique entre 1997 (47%) e 2015 (66%) aumentou 19 pontos percentuais, e a cobertura de vacinação em crianças abaixo de 12 meses de idade aumentou de 44,3% (1997) para 57% (2015). De acordo com os dados de 2015, das 11 províncias, apenas as do Sul e a de Cabo Delgado atingiram a meta de cobertura recomendada de 80%. As províncias de Zambézia, Nampula e Tete mostraram baixas coberturas ao longo dos anos, enquanto Cabo Delgado mostrou oscilação na cobertura. As vacinas BCG, DPT3, Polio 3 e sarampo atingiram a meta de cobertura de 80% entre 1997 e 2015. Nossa análise mostrou avanços importantes na vacinação nacional, caracterizados por um aumento geral nas coberturas nacional e provinciais e uma queda no número de crianças que não receberam nenhuma vacina. Apesar desses avanços, algumas províncias tiveram coberturas aquém das metas, o que reforça a necessidade de entender os determinantes do abandono da imunização nas crianças, para retê-las e assegurar a imunização oportuna e completa.

En Mozambique, el Programa de Inmunización Expandido (EPI por sus siglas en inglés) fue implementado en 1979, con el compromiso de reducir la mortalidad infantil y la morbilidad a través de la provisión de servicios de inmunización. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir las características del EPI y revisar la información disponible, relacionada con el servicio de inmunización en Mozambique, así como sus logros y perspectivas. Se llevó a cabo una revisión narrativa de la literatura y se accedió a las siguientes bases de datos electrónicas: BVS, Google Scholar y PubMed para el período de 1979 a 2019, usando descriptores relacionados con el tema. Se tuvo acceso a un total de 28 artículos y otras fuentes relevantes para la revisión. La cobertura nacional de inmunización en Mozambique de 1997 (47%) a 2015 (66%) mejoró 19 puntos porcentuales y la cobertura de inmunización de los niños con menos de 12 meses se incrementó de un 44,3% (1997) a un 57% (2015). La encuesta de 2015 mostró que, de las 11 provincias, solamente la provincia del sur y la provincia de Cabo Delgado podrían alcanzar el 80% de la meta recomendada a nivel provincial. Las provincias de Zambézia, Nampula, y Tete han estado informando de baja cobertura a largo de estos años y Cabo Delgado tiene oscilaciones en la cobertura. BCG, DPT3, Polio 3 y sarampión han alcanzado un 80% de la meta de la cobertura de 1997-2015. Nuestro análisis ha mostrado importantes mejoras en la inmunización nacional, caracterizada por un aumento en general en la cobertura nacional y provincial, así como un decremento en el número de niños que no recibieron ninguna vacuna. A pesar de estas mejoras, algunas provincias tienen coberturas más bajas que las esperadas y existe una necesidad para entender los determinantes del abandono en niños para retenerlos y proporcionarles a tiempo una completa inmunización.

Pandemic and vaccine coverage: challenges of returning to schools / Pandemia e coberturas vacinais: desafios para o retorno às escolas

ABSTRACT Since March 2020, Brazil has faced the pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), which has severely modified the way in which the population lives and uses health services. As such, face-to-face attendance has dropped dramatically, even for child vaccination, due to measures of social distancing to mitigate the transmission of the virus. Several countries have recorded a substantial drop in vaccination coverage in children, especially of those under two years of age. In Brazil, administrative data indicate the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on this downward trend, which was already an important challenge of the National Immunization Program in recent years. Many children will be susceptible to immunopreventable diseases, which reinforces the need to assess the vaccine status of schoolchildren before returning to face-to-face classes.

RESUMO Desde março de 2020, o Brasil enfrenta a pandemia da doença do coronavírus 2019 (covid-19), que modificou intensamente o modo de viver da população e o uso dos serviços de saúde, nos quais o comparecimento presencial caiu drasticamente, inclusive para a vacinação infantil, devido às medidas de distanciamento social para mitigar a transmissão do vírus. Diversos países registraram queda substancial das coberturas vacinais em crianças, especialmente nas menores de dois anos de idade. No Brasil, dados administrativos apontam o impacto da pandemia de covid-19 no agravamento dessa queda, que já constituía um desafio importante do Programa Nacional de Imunizações nos últimos anos. Muitas crianças estarão suscetíveis a doenças imunopreveníveis, o que reforça a necessidade de avaliar a situação vacinal dos escolares antes do retorno às aulas presenciais.

Immunization coverage among under-five children living along a school student through child-to-child and child-to-parent information, education and communication strategy

Background: In spite of being a principal producer and exporter of vaccines and billions spent over decades, India is home to one-third of the world's under-five children (U5C) with no immunization. Objectives: The objective of this study was to find the outcome of child-to-child and child-to-parent Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy on the current percentage of immunization coverage (IC). Methods: A mixed design research with multilevel concurrent sampling was conducted in Pune. Based on school students' households, 44 clusters having U5C were divided randomly into 11 experimental/control groups each. IEC strategy to students was independent variable and IC among U5C was dependent variable. Data were collected from 1092 students and 2352 U5C parents over 6 years. Vaccination card and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin mark were considered as evidence to conclude on full, partial and no IC. Change in knowledge quotient (KQ) among students/parents and U5C IC before and after IEC strategy assessed. Results: Rural/urban age-appropriate full IC of U5C was 51% and 67% before and 88% and 85% in post-IEC, respectively. The mean KQ change score of 8–12/20 in students is likely to increase full IC by 37% and 18%, decrease partial coverage at 14% and 12%, and improve none coverage at 23% and 16%, from its existing level positively in experimental groups. Numerous factors discouraged parents to pursue their U5C immunization. Conclusions: Advocacy through school students can be an economically viable alternative marketing strategy for inadequate U5C IC than billions spent on treating vaccine-preventable diseases and impractical options.

Tendencias en las coberturas de vacunación en niños de 12 a 23 y 24 a 35 meses en México / Trends in vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 and 24-35 months in Mexico. Ensanut 2012 and Ensanut 100k

Resumen: Objetivo: Comparar coberturas de vacunación en niños de 12-23 y 24-35 meses de edad de localidades menores de 100 000 habitantes en México, entre 2012 (Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012) y 2018 (Ensanut 100k). Material y métodos: Estimación de coberturas con ambas encuestas. Resultados: Entre 2012 y 2018, se mantuvo la cobertura del Esquema básico, con comprobante y autorreporte, en niños de 12-23 (51.6 vs. 60.2%) y 24-35 meses (51.4 vs. 50.0%), y sólo con comprobante (53.9 vs. 51.3% y 52.8 vs. 44.2%). Se mantuvo la cobertura del Esquema básico más refuerzos en niños de 24-35 meses, comprobante y autorreporte (30.9 vs. 34.0%) y sólo con comprobante (30.2 vs. 27.8%). Disminuyeron las coberturas con segunda y tercera dosis de hepatitis B en niños de 12-23 y 24-35 meses, y con primera dosis de triple viral (SRP) y tercera de pentavalente en niños de 24-35 meses. Conclusiones: Se mantuvieron las coberturas del Esquema básico y Esquema básico más refuerzos aunque disminuyeron las coberturas con hepatitis B, pentavalente y SRP.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate and compare vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 and 24-35 months living in localities with less than 100 000 inhabitants inEncuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición(Ensanut) 2012 and Ensanut 100k (2018). Materials and methods: Estimate of coverage with both surveys. Results: Between 2012 and 2018, according to proof and self-report, the coverage of the basic scheme was maintained in children aged 12-23 (51.6 vs. 60.2%) and 24-35 months (51.4 vs. 50.0%). Similarly, only with proof (53.9 vs. 51.3% and 52.8 vs. 44.2%). In children aged 24-35 months, the coverage of the reinforced basic scheme reinforcements with probative document and self-report (30.9 vs. 34.0%) and only with reinforcements (30.2 vs. 27.8%) was maintained. Coverage with second and third doses of hepatitis B in both age groups decreased; additionally, first dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (SRP, in Spanish) and third dose of Pentavalent in children aged 24-35 months. Conclusions: Coverages were maintained by schemes, despite reductions in hepatitis B, pentavalent and SRP.

Immunization coverage under universal immunization programme in Kozhikode district, Kerala

Background: Immunization is an important cost effective tool for preventing the morbidities and mortalities caused by vaccine preventable diseases. The objectives of this study were to assess the universal immunization programme coverage of children of 12–23 months of age in Kozhikode district and to study the factors associated with immunization coverage.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 30 randomly selected electoral wards of Kozhikode district which were selected using multi stage cluster sampling technique during April 2013 to May 2014.Results: 469 children were studied from 30 clusters. 75.5% was fully immunized while 1.5% was unimmunized. Dropout rate for DPT 3 to Measles was the highest accounting to 20.2%. Most common reason for failure of immunization among unimmunized was that the parents didn’t feel the need (57.1%) and for partially immunized was the illness of the child (27.8%) followed by lack of awareness of the time of immunization (22.2%). Religion, early age of the mother at marriage and first delivery and high birth order were significantly associated with a higher proportion of partially immunized while higher education of the parents (>12th standard), health worker’s home visit in the first year of the child and presence of immunization card were significantly associated with a high full immunization coverage (p<0.05).Conclusions: Immunization coverage of 75.5% is far behind the target to be achieved. 1.5% of the children didn’t get any of the vaccinations. It is very important to increases the coverage to prevent the re-emergence of vaccine preventable diseases.

Assessment of immunization coverage and associated factors among children in Paravur Taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective interventions averting countless childhood deaths and protecting millions of children from disability and illness. The objective of the current study was to assess the immunization coverage and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months and 5-7 years in Paravur Taluk of Ernakulam district, Kerala. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done. Cluster sampling method of WHO was used for evaluation of immunization coverage.300 children in the age group of 12–23 months and 300 children in the age group 5-7 years were selected from each of the 30 clusters. Crude coverage details for each vaccine were estimated using percentages. Bivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of immunization coverage. Results: Among the children 12-23 months old, eleven (3.7%) children were partially immunized, while everybody had received at least one vaccine. The proportion of children fully immunized was 96.3%. Among the children 5-7 years old 55 (18.3%) were partially immunized. Belonging to Muslim religion, fathers’ occupation i.e. who were labourers/unskilled workers, mother’s education less than 12th standard and not possessing the mother and child protection card were found to be factors associated with partial immunization. Conclusions: This study shows that full immunization has not reached all children.

Assessment of timely immunization in an urbanized agglomeration of East Delhi, India

Background: The under-5 mortality rate in India has shown a decline in the last few decades. However, there is still a lot of work to be done for our country to achieve sustainable developmental goals. One of the factors contributing to child survival is immunization coverage, but high coverage does not mean timely vaccination. ‘On time’ immunization is an important yet little researched factor shielding a child from susceptibility to vaccine preventable diseases. This study aims at assessing the extent of timely immunization and predictors of intentional delay in vaccination of children.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in East Delhi among caregivers having a child in the age group of 13-24 months. Sample size was calculated at 95% confidence limit and 3.5% absolute precision. The final sample size obtained was 350.Results: The percentage of fully and timely vaccinated children is 67.1%, whereas children fully vaccinated but with a delay of 4 weeks from the recommended age of administration is 19.7%. Partial vaccination was found in 11.2% of children and 2% of children were found to be not vaccinated. The most common reason for delay in immunization was pain at the time of administration leading baby cries and fear of needles (26.1%), followed by bad experience with previous vaccination (11.6%). Fear of side effects (14.5%) and being denied vaccination without card (11.6%) were other reasons.Conclusions: The immunization program should include timely completion of vaccination as a quality indicator. Delayed immunization can lead to epidemics in the community and threaten the goal of elimination of vaccine preventable diseases. Improving timeliness can be successfully achieved if the reasons for delay are taken into account.

La no obligatoriedad de la vacunación y su potencial impacto en la epidemiología de coqueluche / Non-mandatory immunization and its potential impact on pertussis epidemiology

En este trabajo, se analizan cuantitativamente las consecuencias a corto plazo que tendría sobre coqueluche la sanción del Proyecto de Ley de Consentimiento Informado en Materia de Vacunación presentado en Argentina, en 2017, el cual contempla la no obligatoriedad de la aplicación de las vacunas del Calendario Nacional a los menores de edad. Se utiliza un modelo matemático para la transmisión de pertusis, desarrollado previamente en nuestro grupo. Se considera que la sola presentación del proyecto provoca una disminución en las coberturas por generar desconfianza sobre los beneficios del programa de vacunación. Asumiendo 5 % anual de reducción de las coberturas durante 4 años a partir de 2018, en el siguiente brote, los casos graves en menores del año se incrementarían en más del 100 % respecto del último brote, y se estiman 101 fallecidos. Con una reducción del 10 % anual por 4 años, el siguiente brote superaría al previo en más del 200 %, con 163 decesos.

In this study, we performed a quantitative analysis of the potential short-term consequences on pertussis of the draft bill on Informed Consent for Immunization proposed in Argentina in 2017, which considers a non-mandatory immunization schedule for minors. We used a mathematical model of pertussis transmission, which had been previously developed by our group. It is considered that the mere presentation of the project causes a reduction in coverage because it creates suspicion on the benefits of immunization. Assuming a 5 % annual reduction in coverage for 4 years as of 2018, in the next outbreak, severe cases in infants younger than 1 year will increase more than 100 % compared to the latest outbreak, with an estimated 101 deaths. With a 10 % annual reduction in the coverages for 4 years, the next outbreak would result in an increase of number of cases of more than 200 %, with 163 deaths.

Cobertura de vacunación y proporción de esquema incompleto en niños menores de siete años en México / Vaccination coverage and proportion of incomplete vaccination schedule in children under seven years of age in Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la cobertura de vacunación en menores de siete años. Material y métodos: Estudio basado en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de Medio Camino 2016. Resultados: La cobertura de esquema completo en los niños menores de un año fue de 51.7% [rango: de 67.6%, para la vacuna pentavalente (PV), a 93.9%, para la vacuna Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)]; en los de 12-23 meses fue de 53.9% [rango: de 68.5%, para la vacuna triple viral (SRP), a 98.3%, para la BCG], y en los de 24-35 meses, de 63.2% [rango: de 85.3%, para la vacuna contra neumococo, a 98.6%, para la BCG]. En niños de seis años, la cobertura de una dosis de SRP fue de 97.8%, y para dos dosis, de 50.7%. Sólo 2.2% de los niños de seis años no estaban vacunados. Las variables asociadas con esquema incompleto fueron edad de 2-5 meses, madre menor de 20 años o hablante de lengua indígena. Conclusiones: Debe mejorarse el reclutamiento de recién nacidos al programa de vacunación, así como su seguimiento, hasta completar el esquema, aprovechando los contactos con los servicios de salud para vacunarlos.

Abstract: Objective: To assess vaccination coverage in children under seven years of age. Materials and methods: Study based on the Halfway National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut MC 2016). Results: Full vaccination coverage in children <1 year was 51.7%, (range: 67.6% [pentavalent (PV)] to 93.9% [BCG]), in those aged 12-23 months was 53.9% (range: 68.5% [MMR] to 98.3% [BCG]) and in those 24-35 months was 63.2% (range: 85.3% [pneumococcal]) to 98.6% [BCG]). In children aged six years, the coverage of 1 MMR dose was 97.8% and 50.7% for two doses. Only 2.2% of six year olds were not vaccinated. Variables associated with incomplete schedule were age of 2-5 months, mother being under 20 years of age or maternal language indigenous. Conclusions: The vaccination program needs to improve recruitment of newborns and their follow-up until they complete their immunization schedule, taking advantage of the local contacts with health services to vaccinate them.

Análisis de patrones territoriales de contextos de vida de niños hasta 6 años y su potencial influencia en la cobertura de programas de inmunización en Chile / Analysis of the territorial patterns of the life contexts of children up to 6 years of age and their potential influence on the coverage of immunization programs in Chile

RESUMEN El objetivo es analizar determinadas variables que puedan estar implicadas en la cobertura de vacunación de niños en diferentes territorios comunales de Chile, para las vacunas bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) al nacer, pentavalente a los 6 meses, y triple vírica a los 12 meses y 6 años de edad, en el periodo 2008-2011. La metodología contempla tres fases: la primera, corresponde a la operacionalización de veinte variables socioterritoriales, que dan cuenta de los contextos generales de vida de la población objetivo; la segunda, refiere a la definición de una escala de valores a través de un panel de expertos, para ponderar la importancia de cada una de las variables; y, la tercera, integra la información en un sistema de ayuda a la decisión espacial para la identificación de patrones territoriales, por medio de una evaluación multicriterio y el análisis multivariante clúster. Los resultados indican que es factible agrupar cuatro tipos de territorio. De forma general es posible advertir que, mientras mejora el contexto de vida, se pueden encontrar mayores niveles de cobertura para cada vacuna.

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper was to analyze selected variables that could be involved in vaccination coverage of children in different communal territories of Chile, including the vaccines bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) at birth, pentavalent at 6 months and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) at 12 months and 6 years, in the period 2008-2011. The methodology includes three phases. The first corresponds to the operationalization of twenty socio-territorial variables that account the general life contexts of the target population. The second phase involves the definition of a scale of values through a panel of experts to weigh the importance of each of the variables. The third phase integrates the information into a spatial decision support system for the identification of territorial patterns, through multi-criteria evaluation and multivariate cluster analysis. The results indicate that it is feasible to group territories into four types. In general terms, it is possible to observe that as the life context improves, higher levels of coverage can be found for each vaccine.

Prevalence of serological markers for hepatitis and potential associated factors in patients with diabetes mellitus / Prevalência de marcadores sorológicos para hepatite e potenciais fatores associados em pacientes com diabetes mellitus / Prevalencia de marcadores serológicos para la hepatitis y potenciales factores asociados en pacientes con diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective: to estimate the prevalence of serological markers for hepatitis B and C in patients with diabetes mellitus and analyze potential associated factors. Method: a cross-sectional study with 255 patients with diabetes mellitus. Demographic, clinical, and risk behavior factors for hepatitis B and C were selected. The markers HBsAg, Anti-HBc IgG, Anti-HBc IgM, Anti-HBs, and Anti-HCV were investigated. A questionnaire and venous blood collection and inferential statistical analysis were used. Results: 16.8% of the patients had a total reactive Anti-HBc marker, 8.2% an isolated Anti-HBs, and 75% were non-reactive for all hepatitis B markers. No case of reactive HBsAg was found and 3.3% of the patients had a reactive anti-HCV marker. The prevalence of prior hepatitis B virus infection was directly associated with the time of diabetes mellitus and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection was not associated with the investigated variables. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection in patients with diabetes mellitus was higher when compared to the national, with values of 16.8% and 3.3%, respectively. Conclusion: the results suggest that patients with diabetes are a population of higher vulnerability to hepatitis B and C, leading to the adoption of preventive measures of their occurrence.

RESUMO Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de marcadores sorológicos para hepatite B e C em pacientes com diabetes mellitus e analisar potenciais fatores associados. Método: estudo transversal com 255 pacientes com diabetes mellitus. Elegeram-se variáveis demográficas, clínicas e comportamentos de risco para hepatite B e C. Investigou-se os marcadores HBsAg, Anti-HBc IgG, Anti-HBc IgM, Anti-HBs e Anti-HCV. Utilizou-se um questionário e coleta de sangue venoso e análise por estatística inferencial. Resultados: 16,8% pacientes apresentaram marcador Anti-HBc total reagente, 8,2% Anti-HBs isolado e 75% foram não reagentes para todos os marcadores de hepatite B. Nenhum caso de HBsAg reagente foi encontrado, 3,3% dos pacientes apresentaram marcador anti-HCV reagente. A prevalência de infecção pregressa pelo vírus da hepatite B mostrou-se diretamente associado ao tempo de diabetes mellitus, e a prevalência de infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C não teve associação com as variáveis investigadas. A prevalência de infecção por hepatite B e C em pacientes com diabetes mellitus foi superior a nacional, 16,8% e 3,3% respectivamente. Conclusão: os resultados sugerem que pacientes com diabetes sejam uma população de maior vulnerabilidade às hepatites B e C, ensejando à adoção de medidas preventivas de sua ocorrência.

RESUMEN Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de marcadores serológicos para la hepatitis B y C en pacientes con diabetes mellitus y analizar potenciales factores asociados. Método: estudio transversal con 255 pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Se eligieron variables demográficas, clínicas y comportamientos de riesgo para hepatitis B y C. Se investigaron los marcadores HBsAg, Anti-HBc IgG, Anti-HBc IgM, Anti-HBs y Anti-HCV. Se utilizó un cuestionario, colecta de sangre venosa y análisis por estadística inferencial. Resultados: 16,8% de los pacientes presentaron marcador Anti-HBc total reactivo, 8,2% Anti-HBs aislado y 75% fueron no reactivos para todos los marcadores de hepatitis B. Ningún caso de HBsAg reactivo fue encontrado, 3,3% de los pacientes presentaron marcador anti-HCV reactivo. La prevalencia de infección previa por el virus de la hepatitis B se mostró directamente asociado al tiempo de diabetes mellitus, y la prevalencia de infección por el virus de la hepatitis C no tuvo asociación con las variables investigadas. La prevalencia de infección por hepatitis B y C en pacientes con diabetes mellitus fue superior al nacional, 16,8% y 3,3% respectivamente. Conclusión: los resultados sugieren que pacientes con diabetes son una población de mayor vulnerabilidad a las hepatitis B y C, lo que da lugar a la adopción de medidas preventivas de su ocurrencia.

Compliance with the vaccination schedule in children hospitalized with pneumonia and associated factors / Cumprimento do esquema vacinal em crianças internadas por pneumonia e fatores associados

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To verify the adequacy and factors associated with compliance with the immunization schedule (BCG, DTP-Hib, MMR, PCV-10) in children hospitalized with pneumonia at a pediatric referral hospital in Northeast Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study with an analytical component, with a sample of 452 children hospitalized with pneumonia at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, between 2010 and 2013. The inclusion criterion was children aged from one month to less than five years of age with proof in the immunization record. The exclusion criterion was the presence of hospital-acquired pneumonia or concomitant disease. We have evaluated the adequacy of the immunization schedule for the BCG, tetravalent, MMR, and 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate (PCV-10) vaccines. We used the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test followed by multivariate Poisson regression, estimating the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals. The variables with p < 0.20 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There was good adequacy in the immunization schedule, except for PCV-10, which presented a percentage lower than 85%. We have observed an association between adequate compliance with the immunization schedule and education level of the mother (89.9% complete high school), sex of the child (87.2% female), age of the child (94.2% younger than six months), and breastfeeding (84.3% breastfed). CONCLUSIONS: Given the high rate of education level of the mother and the high percentage of breastfeeding, we can understand that there is a better understanding of the health of the child by the mothers studied in this study, showing the effectiveness of public policies for infant feeding. However, children did not have good adequacy of the immunization schedule of PCV-10, one of the main vaccines against pneumonia, which can be one of the main factors in the causes of hospitalization, with no influence on the classification of the severity of the disease. In this way, we emphasize that the causes of pneumonia morbidity are not associated with a single factor.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Verificar a adequação e os fatores associados ao cumprimento do esquema vacinal (BCG, DTP-Hib, SCR, VCP-10) em crianças internadas com pneumonia em um hospital de referência pediátrica no Nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo com componente analítico, composto por 452 crianças hospitalizadas por pneumonia no Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, entre 2010 e 2013. Critérios de inclusão: idade de um mês a menores de cinco anos; com comprovação do cartão vacinal. Critérios de exclusão: pneumonia hospitalar ou doença de base concomitante. Avaliamos a adequação do esquema vacinal da BCG, tetravalente, tríplice viral e pneumocócica conjugada 10 valente (VPC-10). Foram utilizados os testes qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher seguidos de regressão multivariada de Poisson, estimando-se as razões de prevalência brutas, ajustadas e os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Participaram da análise multivariada as variáveis que na análise univariada apresentaram valor p < 0,20. RESULTADOS: Houve boa adequação no calendário vacinal, exceto a vacina VPC-10, que apresentou percentual inferior a 85%. Observou-se associação entre o adequado cumprimento do esquema vacinal e escolaridade materna (89,9% ensino médio completo), sexo da criança (87,2% feminino), idade da criança (94,2% menor que seis meses) e aleitamento materno (84,3% amamentaram). CONCLUSÕES: Pela elevada taxa na escolaridade materna e pelo elevado percentual de alimentação por leite materno, pode-se entender que há uma melhor compreensão no cuidado da saúde da criança pelas genitoras estudadas nesta pesquisa, apresentando a eficácia das políticas públicas de alimentação infantil. Porém, as crianças não tiveram uma boa adequação do esquema vacinal da VPC-10, uma das principais vacinas contra a pneumonia, podendo ser esse um dos principais fatores nas causas do internamento, não apresentando influência com a classificação da gravidade da doença. Enfatiza-se dessa maneira que as causas de morbidade por pneumonia não são associadas a um único fator.