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Underimmunization at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit

A M Navar-Boggan1, N A Halsey, G J Escobar

  • 1Department of Internal medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. ann.navar@duke.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|August 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Many infants discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are not up-to-date on immunizations. This study identified factors associated with underimmunization, highlighting the need for improved vaccination strategies before NICU discharge.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Pediatric immunology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) provide critical care for vulnerable infants.
  • Timely immunizations are crucial for protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • Underimmunization in this population can lead to increased risk of infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine immunization rates at discharge for infants aged 2 months and older from the NICU.
  • To identify risk factors associated with underimmunization at NICU discharge.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 668 infants discharged from six Northern California Kaiser Permanente NICUs on or after 60 days of age.
  • Immunization status at discharge was assessed.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for underimmunization.

Main Results:

  • Only 51% of infants were up-to-date on routine immunizations at discharge.
  • Twenty-seven percent of infants had received no vaccines.
  • Mechanical ventilation, congenital heart disease, apnea, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were associated with higher immunization rates, while surgery was linked to lower rates.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial proportion of infants discharged from the NICU at 2 months or older were underimmunized.
  • Interventions to improve immunization rates prior to NICU discharge are necessary.
  • Targeted strategies may be required for infants with specific medical conditions or interventions.
Abstract

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