Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
08:04

Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

Published on: July 9, 2014

Immunization coverage and timeliness of vaccination in Italian children with chronic diseases

E Pandolfi1, E Carloni, M G Marino

  • 1Bambino Gesù Pediatric Research Hospital, Epidemiology Unit, Rome, Italy.

Vaccine
|March 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with chronic diseases need optimal vaccination coverage. This study found varying vaccine timeliness among these children, with HIV and neurological conditions showing delays, often due to acute illness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Children with chronic diseases are a priority for immunization programs.
  • Optimal immunization coverage and timeliness are crucial for this vulnerable population.
  • Specific chronic conditions include type 1 diabetes, HIV infection, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and neurological diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure and analyze immunization coverage rates in children with specific chronic diseases.
  • To assess the timeliness of vaccine administration in this cohort.
  • To identify factors influencing vaccination delays or omissions.

Main Methods:

  • A study was conducted on 275 children aged 6 months to 18 years with various chronic diseases.
  • Immunization coverage for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), polio (Pol), hepatitis B (HBV), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and seasonal influenza vaccines was assessed.
  • A proportional hazard model was used to analyze vaccination timeliness across different disease categories.

Main Results:

  • Coverage for DTP, Pol, and HBV vaccines reached approximately 85% by 24 months.
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) coverage was 62%, and seasonal influenza coverage was 59%.
  • Significant heterogeneity in vaccination timeliness was observed; children with HIV infection experienced delays in completing DTP, Pol, and HBV series, while those with neurological diseases had delayed first MMR doses. Concurrent acute illness was a primary reason for missed or delayed vaccinations.

Conclusions:

  • Children with chronic diseases require strict monitoring for routine and recommended vaccinations.
  • Healthcare providers and families need clear guidance to prevent unnecessary deferrals due to perceived false contraindications.
  • Addressing barriers like concurrent acute illness is essential to improve vaccination adherence in pediatric chronic disease populations.

More Related Videos

Rapid In Vivo Assessment of Adjuvant's Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Generation Capabilities for Vaccine Development09:03

Rapid In Vivo Assessment of Adjuvant's Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Generation Capabilities for Vaccine Development

Published on: June 19, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...