Leonor Veiga, Departamento do Tórax, Serviço de Pneumologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa, Portugal
Filipa Prata, Departamento de Pediatria, Serviço de Pediatria Médica, Unidade de Infeciologia Pediátrica, Unidade Local de Saúde, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa, Portugal
Introduction and Objectives: In 2012, the Portuguese National Vaccination Program (PNVP) brought the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine forward, from 15 to 12 months. The main objectives of this study were to assess compliance with this recommendation and to identify which factors may be associated with incorrect vaccination. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted through anonymous surveys, delivered by hand, to caregivers of children attending the Pediatric Emergency Department of a Lisbon Public Hospital (PERLPH) between January and March 2023. Sociodemographic characteristics, the timing of the first MMR dose, and reasons for delay/non-vaccination were analyzed. An information leaflet on the 2020 PNVP and false contraindications was provided. Results: A total of 203 caregivers participated. Out of the children, 40.4% were immigrants or had immigrant parents; 95.6% resided in the Lisbon district and were aged between 13 months and 11 years old. Although 93.1% had received the first MMR dose, 27.1% were vaccinated with an average delay of 2.24 months. A statistically significant link between the immigrant population and the delay with the first MMR dose was identified (p-value = 0.012). Conclusion: Vaccination coverage at 12 months of age with the first MMR dose, in the studied population, was below the recommended threshold. Immigrant status, municipality of residence, and contextual national and international factors may impact vaccination rates. These findings underscore the need for targeted information campaigns and strategies to promote timely vaccination, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Keywords: PNVP. MMR. Compliance. Delay.
