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Vaccination coverage estimates by EPI cluster sampling survey of children (18-24 months) in Flanders, Belgium
A Vellinga1, A M Depoorter, P Van Damme
1Free University of Brussels, Community Medicine, Belgium. akke.vellinga@ua.ac.be
Insights
In 1999, Flanders, Belgium, assessed childhood vaccination coverage. While polio vaccine coverage was high, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B (HB), and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) showed lower rates, especially in one province.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vaccination is crucial for child health, with mandatory and recommended schedules varying by region.
- Assessing vaccination coverage is essential for identifying public health needs and intervention strategies.
- Understanding factors influencing vaccine uptake is key to improving immunization rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the vaccination coverage rates for children aged 18-24 months in Flanders, Belgium.
- To evaluate coverage for specific vaccines including polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B (HB), and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR).
- To identify any sociodemographic factors or regional disparities associated with vaccination coverage.
Main Methods:
- A random cluster sample of 1110 children aged 18-24 months was selected across 89 municipalities in Flanders.
- Data was collected through interviews with parents by professional interviewers.
- Analysis was performed on data from 1005 children, utilizing the EPI cluster sampling technique.
Main Results:
- High coverage was observed for polio (96%).
- Recommended vaccines showed lower coverage: DTP (89%), Hib (78%), HB (68%), and MMR (83%).
- One province exhibited significantly lower coverage for DTP, Hib, HB, and MMR compared to other provinces, with no sociodemographic factors linked to overall coverage.
Conclusions:
- Despite high polio vaccination rates, coverage for several recommended childhood vaccines in Flanders falls short of optimal levels.
- Significant regional disparities in vaccine coverage were identified, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
- Enhanced information dissemination for both parents and healthcare providers is necessary to improve vaccination uptake and address knowledge gaps.
Unlabelled:
A random cluster sample according to the EPI cluster sampling technique was conducted in 1999 in Flanders (North Belgium) to ascertain the vaccination coverage of 18 to 24-mo-old children. Polio is the only mandatory vaccine. Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B (HB) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) are included in the recommended schedule of vaccinations. For Hib and HB, a minimal cost was charged. Professional interviewers conducted interviews with the parents of 1110 children randomly selected in 89 municipalities. Analysis was conducted on the results of 1005 children. The coverage level (95% confidence interval) for the full schedule was 96% (95-97) for polio, 89% (87-91) for DTP, 78% (74-82) for Hib, 68% (64-72) for HB and 83% (81-87) for MMR. The vaccinations were administered by the regional children's health organization (70%), paediatricians (17%) and GPs (11%). No sociodemographic factors could be associated with vaccination coverage. One province showed significantly (p < 0.01) lower vaccination coverage levels compared with those of the other four provinces for DTP (91% vs 82%), Hib (78% vs 53%), HB (73% vs 46%) and MMR (87% vs 66%).
Conclusion:
There is a need for more and better information about vaccination for parents as well as for the healthcare providers.