| Printable Copy |
 |
| Printable Copy |
|
Since the days of Jenner and Pasteur, inducing an immune response to infectious diseases by the way of vaccination has become a widely applied intervention to keep people healthy. Globally, the population coverage of vaccination programs has expanded so that immunization has served to eradicate potential fatal diseases, such as smallpox. In addition, morbidity and mortality due to childhood infectious diseases, such as pertussis and measles, in developed countries has significantly reduced. However, in the last years, a resurgence of both pertussis and measles has been experienced in some countries.
In this report, the authors evaluated the morbidity and mortality of pertussis, measles, and varicella in infants that are too young to be vaccinated. The report thereafter outlines possible preventive policies for this group of children considered too young to vaccinate. Detailed results and discussions are available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4062883/#!po=4.16667
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The circulation of infectious diseases puts small infants too young to be vaccinated at risk of morbidity and mortality, often requiring prolonged hospitalization.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have reviewed the medical records of children not eligible for vaccination because of age, admitted to hospital for pertussis, measles, or varicella from February 1, 2010, till February 1, 2012.
RESULTS: Of the case records scrutinized, 21 were hospitalized for pertussis, 18 for measles, and 32 for varicella. Out of them, 42%, 66%, and 78% diagnosed with, respectively, pertussis, measles, and varicella had a complicated course of the disease.
DISCUSSION: To avoid infectious disease circulation, childhood immunization strategies should be adopted, such as vaccination of healthcare givers, adult household contacts, and parents planning to have, or who have had, a newborn baby.