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Delayed Vaccination in Preterm and Low-Birth-Weight Newborns: Predictive Factors and the Impact of Healthcare
Kaoutar Ettoini1, Khadija Mesbah1, Abdallah Oulmaati1
1Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mohammed VI de Tanger, Tangier, MAR.
Insights
Healthcare professionals
Area of Science:
- Neonatal immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm and low-birth-weight newborns face higher risks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Immunological immaturity and lower maternal antibody transfer compromise protection.
- Delayed infant immunization is common in this vulnerable group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning infant vaccinations.
- To identify factors contributing to delayed vaccinations in preterm and low-birth-weight infants.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 104 healthcare professionals in neonatal care.
- Anonymous, self-administered questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
- Statistical analysis identified factors associated with vaccination delays (p < 0.05).
Main Results:
- Significant knowledge and practice variations were found among professionals.
- Knowledge gaps persisted despite prior experience with infant vaccination.
- Lack of training, belief in contraindications, weight requirements, and parental hesitancy were linked to delays.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals' knowledge deficits and suboptimal practices contribute to delayed infant vaccinations.
- Targeted training and standardized guidelines are crucial for improving vaccination rates.
- Enhanced immunization practices are vital for protecting high-risk newborns.
Abstract:
Background Preterm and low-birth-weight newborns are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable infections due to immunological immaturity and reduced transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies. Despite recommendations advocating vaccination according to chronological age, delays in immunization remain frequent in this population, often influenced by healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Objective To assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the vaccination of preterm and low-birth-weight newborns and to identify professional factors associated with delayed vaccination. Methods A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2025 among 104 healthcare professionals involved in neonatal care and immunization. Data were collected using a structured, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results A total of 104 healthcare professionals participated in the study, of whom 66% had already vaccinated or supervised the vaccination of preterm or low-birth-weight newborns. Significant variability in knowledge and practices was observed across professional categories, particularly between physicians and paramedical staff. Despite prior experience, important knowledge gaps persisted. Four factors were significantly associated with delayed vaccination (p < 0.05): lack of professional training (85%), the belief that prematurity constitutes a contraindication to vaccination (86%), the requirement for a birth weight above 3000 g before initiating vaccination (47%), and parental hesitancy (63%). Conclusion Healthcare professionals' knowledge gaps and inappropriate practices are significantly associated with delayed vaccination in preterm and low-birth-weight newborns. Strengthening targeted training programs and implementing standardized guidelines are essential to improve vaccination practices and ensure optimal protection of this high-risk population.
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