Immunization status of internationally adopted children in Rome, Italy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric medicine
• International adoption health
• Vaccinology

Background:

• International adoption medicine addresses unique health needs of globally adopted children.
• Vaccine-preventable diseases pose risks to internationally adopted children.
• Assessing seroprotection is crucial for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine seroprotection rates against vaccine-preventable diseases in internationally adopted children.
• To specifically evaluate protection against pneumococcal diseases.
• To inform vaccination strategies for international adoptees.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 67 internationally adopted children at a specialized hospital unit.
• Collected pre-adoption immunization data and performed laboratory immunity testing.
• Assessed immunity to tetanus, pneumococcus, hepatitis B, Hib, and measles.

Main Results:

• High seroprotection observed for tetanus (94%) and pneumococcus (88%) with adequate vaccination.
• Lower protection rates noted for hepatitis B (45%) and measles (63%).
• Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) protection was 63%.

Conclusions:

• Internationally adopted children lacking valid vaccine records require a full immunization schedule.
• Vaccination should align with the adoptive country's national schedule.
• Ensuring complete immunization is vital for international adoptee health.