Vaccine-Preventable Admissions to an Irish Paediatric Intensive Care

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The Republic of Ireland offers a comprehensive state-funded immunization schedule for children.
• Vaccines for varicella and meningococcal B are available but not government-funded.
• Vaccine-preventable illnesses can cause significant child morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the continued occurrence of serious, preventable infections in children admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
• To underscore the impact of vaccine-preventable diseases on children, families, and healthcare resources.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admissions over a 4-year period.
• Review of infection types, outcomes, and patient health status.

Main Results:

• 39 children were admitted to the PICU over 4 years due to preventable infections.
• Nine children contracted pneumococcus, resulting in 4 deaths.
• One child died from pertussis; most infections occurred in previously healthy children.

Conclusions:

• Vaccine-preventable diseases pose a significant threat, causing severe illness and death in children, including those who are otherwise healthy.
• These preventable conditions place a substantial burden on children, families, and healthcare resources.
• There is a need to address the burden of these infections, potentially through enhanced vaccination strategies.