[Delayed vaccine schedule and missed opportunities for vaccination in children up to 24 months. A multicenter study]

Delayed vaccine schedule (DVS) and missed opportunities of vaccination (MOV) are some of the main causes of low coverage in children ≤24 month in Argentina.

To determine the prevalence of DVS and the rate of MOV during the frst 24 months of life and risk factors for their occurrence.

We conducted a survey among children ≤24 month's caregivers at five hospitals in different departments, between August-December/2008.

Total enrolled: 1591 children; 54.2% male, median of age 8 months (0-24 months). Eighty percent concurred with vaccine-card, 75.9% consulted by pathology. Overall DVS rate: 39.7%. Most common DVS reason: the current mild disease: 38.5%. Overall MOV rate: 19.8%. Most common MOV reason: no detection of the need to vaccinate 47.8%. DTPHib and OPV vaccines had a higher risk of DVS and MOV. DVS independent predictors: age ≥6 months, administration for additionally recommended vaccines and prolonged waiting in the last vaccination. MOV independent predictors were: age ≥6 months, no compliance with prior care, and not asking for vaccines.

We found a high proportion of MOV and mainly of DVS; they were associated mostly to false contraindications, lack of questioning on vaccines and difficulties in the quality of care provided to parents.