Abstract
Vaccination coverage was studied in August, 1988 on five years old preschool children from county school of Buenos Aires. 768 children were selected by randomization (unit=school districts) and data was colected by preschool teachers previously instructed. The following data were registered on each child: age, sex, n9 of dosis of DTP, Sabin, BCG and Measles vaccine; level of instruction, age and occupation of the mother (or guardian); number of siblings; occupation and work stability of father and condition of housing. In addition, school district was taken into account (it was classified according to social status); school shift and parent's opinion about the importance of vaccination.
72% of children had a complete immunization, 90% coverage for BCG, 85.2% for Sabin, 84.5% for DTP and 81.9% for Measles. The following variables were considered as risk factors: a) offspring of analphabetic or with uncompleted primary instruction mother; b) three or more siblings in the family, group; c) doormen's children living in a “villa” or hotel; d) children of workmen or family workmen; e) children attending school on a eight hour schedule. These were also risk factor for Sabin, DTP and Measles vaccine but not for BCG. There was no relation between immunization and mother age, mothers working time, fathers work stability or school district social status. 74.9% of families considered that vaccines prevent diseases; the 7.2% considered that they attenuate them; 3.7% considered that they were obligated to vaccinate the children and 7.9% look up to the vaccine as a health vehicule with magical feelings, These differences do not have influence over the coverage. This data allow to review the immunization program for preschool children of Buenos Aires in order to achive a better coverage.
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Gentile, A., Rodriguez, D., Flores, M. et al. VACCINATION COVERAGE IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN OF BUENOS AIRES. Pediatr Res 26, 165 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198908000-00038
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198908000-00038