Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Standardized vaccination practices for preterm infants: Egyptian experts' consensus
Ahmed El Beleidy1, Mohamed Ghandour2, Adel Reyad3
1Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. ahmed.elbeleidy@kasralainy.edu.eg.
Insights
Preterm infants face higher infection risks due to immature immune systems. This study provides evidence-based vaccination guidelines for preterm infants in Egypt to improve coverage and timely immunization.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth rates are rising, increasing infant vulnerability to infections.
- Preterm infants have underdeveloped immune systems, heightening risks for vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Limited research exists on vaccine safety and efficacy in preterm populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop evidence-based vaccination recommendations for preterm infants in Egypt.
- To enhance vaccine coverage and ensure timely immunization for this high-risk group.
- To address specific challenges in preterm infant vaccination within the Egyptian context.
Main Methods:
- Modified Delphi consensus approach involving 18 experts.
- Literature review to formulate 59 vaccination statements.
- 5-point Likert scale with a ≥70% agreement threshold for consensus.
Main Results:
- Consensus reached on 54 out of 63 statements in the first round.
- Nine statements required a second voting round.
- Final recommendations established through expert consensus.
Conclusions:
- Preterm vaccination guidelines are crucial for reducing mortality and morbidity.
- Timely immunization is essential to mitigate infection risks in preterm infants.
- Further research is needed to refine immunization strategies for preterm infants.
Background:
Preterm birth has become increasingly common over the past several decades. The underdeveloped immune systems place preterm infants at an increased risk of infections, often vaccine-preventable, compared to full-term infants. Despite the importance of immunizing preterm infants, research on vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and effectiveness in this population remains limited. This consensus article seeks to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to improve vaccine coverage and timely immunization in preterm infants in Egypt.
Methods:
A modified Delphi consensus approach was employed to develop evidence-based recommendations for preterm infant vaccination in Egypt. A panel of 18 experts, including pediatricians, neonatologists, and a pharmacist participated. The process covered 15 key vaccination topics, with 59 statements formulated based on a comprehensive literature review. A 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the statements, with ≥ 70% agreement threshold for consensus. Statements not meeting this threshold were revised and subjected to a second voting round. Final recommendations were established based on the achieved consensus.
Results:
Our consensus included 59 statements. In the first round of voting, 63 statements were evaluated, with the panel reaching a consensus on 54 statements. Nine statements fell below the 70% agreement threshold and required a second round of voting. A second round was conducted, including these nine statements along with one newly added statement. Ultimately, five statements achieved consensus, while five were removed.
Conclusion:
Establishing preterm vaccination guidelines is important for reducing mortality and morbidity in this high-risk population, especially in Egypt. This consensus emphasizes the need for timely immunization to minimize the risk of infections associated with delayed vaccination. Additionally, it identifies several areas requiring further research, ensuring that future updates can continue to refine and enhance immunization strategies for preterm infants.
Clinical Trial Number:
Not applicable.
More Related Videos
05:50International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
06:15Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children