Study of Greek children and youths with cystic fibrosis identifies immunisation gaps and delays. (29th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maltezou, Helena C.; Doudounakis, Stavros; Lekaditi, Maria; Tanou, Kalliopi; Katerelos, Panos; Theodoridou, Maria
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 106:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 288
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2016-11-29
• Subjects: Cystic fibrosis -- Immunisation -- Influenza -- Pneumococcus -- Vaccine; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.13663
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Data about immunisation rates in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are scarce. We estimated the rates and timeliness of immunisations in CF patients aged 0.55–22 years. Methods: We studied 122 subjects at a hospital in Greece in 2014. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data and parents' opinions about immunisations. Results: The complete immunisation rates were 92.6% for diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussis‐inactivated poliomyelitis‐ Haemophilus influenzae (DTaP‐IPV‐Hib), 96.7% for hepatitis A, 97.4% for hepatitis B, 97.4% for measles–mumps–rubella, 85.1% for the varicella zoster virus, 85.1% for the meningococcus C conjugate, 84.3% for the pneumococcus conjugate and 58.9% for the bacillus Calmette‐Guérin vaccine. Immunisation rates in youths were 64.4% for DTaP‐IPV, 26.8% for the tetravalent meningococcus conjugate vaccine and 54.1% for the human papilloma virus vaccine. In addition, 30.1% received the 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and 45.6% received annual influenza vaccines. Complete, up‐to‐date immunisation rates fell from 61.4% at 12 months of age to 14.5% at six and 12 years. All vaccines experienced delays. Most parents believed vaccines were necessary to protect their child's health. Conclusion: Our study of children with CF found immunisation gaps with no catch‐up immunisations and these need to be administered at follow‐up visits.