Tuberculosis vaccination of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic: modern practices

Abstract

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, any decrease in population immunity to vaccine-preventable infections due to low vaccination coverage can lead to unpredictable consequences.
 Objective. Comprehensive assessment of the situation on vaccine prevention of tuberculosis among the population of the subordinate territory of the children's polyclinic and the search for resources to increase the rates of vaccination of young children.
 Materials and methods. For the analysis, electronic medical records of patients born between 01.01.2020 and 31.12.2022 were used, forms 063/y, newborn registers, dispensary registers for children at risk for tuberculosis. We used epidemiological and statistical methods of analysis.
 Results. In 2020-2021 due to early discharge from the maternity hospital, there was a decrease in the proportion of newborns vaccinated against tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis B (HBV). As a result, the number of those who were not vaccinated against these infections at the time of admission under the supervision of a children's clinic was 24% and 27%, respectively. The lack of vaccinations on schedule later affected the timeliness of vaccinations against other infections provided for by the National Immunization Schedule (NCV). As a result, by 12 months of age, vaccination coverage against TB was 82%, against HBV - 82%, and an additional 13% of children had an incomplete course, which required urgent measures.
 Conclusion. Violation of the calendar terms of vaccinations at the stage of the maternity hospital will certainly entail difficulties in complying with the NCIP at the outpatient stage. It is not enough to fight against the anti-vaccination movement, it is equally important to change processes and improve the quality of medical education, patient awareness and legal certainty on both sides.