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.

Cureus
|June 12, 2026
PubMed

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.

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