Vaccination Coverage for Infants: Cross-Sectional Studies in Two Regions of Belgium

Abstract

Methods and Objectives. To estimate infant vaccination coverage in the French-speaking region of Belgium (Wallonia) and in the Brussels-Capital Region, two cross-sectional studies were performed in 2012. A face-to-face questionnaire was administered by trained investigators. The objective was to evaluate infant vaccination coverage retrospectively in 18- to 24-month-old children. These studies offered the opportunity to assess some factors influencing vaccine uptake in infants. Results and Discussion. Approximately 99% of the children had received the first dose of IPV-DTaP, 90% the fourth dose, 94% the MMR vaccine, 97% the first dose of pneumococcal vaccine, and 90% the third dose. In both regions, when fitting a logistic model, the most associated factor was attendance at maternal and child clinics (MCH). No association was observed between vaccination coverage and the mother's level of education. For the last immunization session, where the mother was a Belgian native and when she worked more hours, child was better immunized, but only in Brussels. Conclusion. Coverage for the fourth dose of hexavalent vaccine (DTaP-IPV-HBV/Hib) needs to be increased. Indeed, additional effort is needed to increase HIB and pertussis coverage rates because the herd immunity threshold for these two diseases has not been reached.

Children with no vaccinations recorded on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register

“…In 2013, about 3% (n=7,000) of all children aged less than seven years in Western Australia (WA) had no vaccinations recorded on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). This figure is considerably higher than the proportion of unimmunised children reported from research studies in the UK 1 and Belgium 2 (1.1% and 0.3%, respectively). This assessment was conducted to find out why some WA children had no vaccinations recorded in the national immunisation register and to evaluate strategies for reducing the numbers of children with no vaccination history.…”

Sustained low rotavirus activity and hospitalisation rates in the post-vaccination era in Belgium, 2007 to 2014

“…Surveillance is conducted through a laboratory-based sentinel network registering positive rotavirus tests, and the secondary analysis of healthcare utilisation databases (rotavirus-related hospitalisations, for which registration is obligatory). Rotavirus vaccine coverage is monitored through cluster sample surveys [10,11]. We collected all available surveillance and coverage data (one regional and seven national data sources) to study the impact of rotavirus vaccination in more detail and for a longer follow-up period.…”

Proper pertussis vaccination will probably not increase vaccination coverage: a case–control study

“…When vaccination records are not available, a periodic evaluation report should be carried out to monitor the shortcomings in VC and provide corrective actions [26]. …”