Completeness and timeliness of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis,measles-mumps-rubella,and polio vaccines in young children with chronic health conditions: A systematic review

Objective

To systematically review literature on uptake and timeliness of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella, and/or polio-containing vaccines in infants who were born preterm, with a low birth weight, and/or with chronic health conditions that were diagnosed within the first 6?months of life.

Methods

Using a standardized search strategy developed by a medical librarian, records were extracted from MEDLINE, Embase, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and CINAHL up to May 8, 2018.

Results

Out of the 1997 records that were screened, we identified 21 studies that met inclusion criteria. Eleven studies assessed vaccine coverage and/or timeliness in preterm infants, 6 in low birth weight infants, and 7 in children with chronic health conditions. Estimates of coverage in these populations were highly variable, ranging from 40% to 100% across the vaccines and population groups.

Conclusions

There is a lack of studies reporting coverage and timeliness of routine immunizations in special populations of children.

Policy implications

Our review suggests a need for improved surveillance of immunization status in special populations of infants, as well as a need for standardization of reporting practices.