[Vaccination status in adult patients admitted to an acute care hospital]

Vaccination is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions for preventing infectious diseases and reducing mortality across all age groups. In Argentina, the National Vaccination Schedule provides free and mandatory vaccines for all stages of life. However, adult vaccination rates are lower compared to the pediatric population.

A prospective, descriptive observational study. Consecutive sampling of patients hospitalized in a general medicine ward over one year.

Patients over 18 years' old who were hospitalized in the internal medicine ward.

Patients who, due to neurological impairment and/or lack of a family member, were unable to provide the required information.

A total of 520 patients were included. Among them, 80% did not have a complete vaccination schedule. The most common reason for incomplete vaccination was a lack of information. Additionally, 87% had completed childhood vaccination schedules. A smaller group was opposed to vaccination, primarily due to fear of adverse effects. An 89.8% of patients completed the required immunization schedule before hospital discharge.

Adult patients tend to discontinue their vaccination schedules after childhood. Several barriers hinder vaccination, including lack of information, social myths, and the absence of medical recommendations. Hospitalization proved to be an effective setting for completing vaccination schedules.