Vaccination coverage among children aged 13 to 59 months in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2002

To estimate antigen-specific and series-complete vaccination coverage among children aged 13 to 59 months in Buenos Aires; to compare the results of a community-based household survey with coverage rates obtained from administrative records; and to identify risk factors for incomplete vaccination.

Census tracts in Buenos Aires were surveyed systematically in March and April, 2002. Three children aged 13 to 24 months and 25 to 59 months were surveyed per block in each census tract. Written documentation of vaccination was required. Risk factors associated with incomplete vaccination were identified with univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

A total of 1391 children were surveyed. Antigen-specific coverage ranged from 69.4% (95% CI 66.7%-72%) for Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination to 99% (95% CI 98.4%-99.6%) for BCG vaccination. Except for measles, coverage estimates found in the survey did not differ substantially from those obtained from city health authority records. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed child's age (P < 0.001) and vaccination provider (public or private) (P = 0.001) to be risk factors associated with incomplete vaccination. Not being the first child (P < 0.001) was associated with incomplete coverage under the long-standing program. Living in the Northern zone of the city (P = 0.001), being uninsured (P = 0.02), and lower educational level of the primary caregiver (P = 0.04) were risk factors associated with incomplete coverage under the current vaccination program.

Although coverage rates for some vaccines were high, complete vaccination coverage remains low among children aged 13 to 59 months in Buenos Aires. Increasing coverage will require better access to vaccination, particularly in sections of the community with risk factors.