Factors Associated with the Completeness of the Vaccination Schedule of Children at 12 and 24 Months of Age in a Brazilian Medium-Size Municipality

Purpose: To analyse the factors associated with the completeness of the vaccination schedule of children at 12 and 24 months of age, in a Brazilian municipality. Design and methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in Araraquara-Sao Paulo with a probabilistic sample of 388 children born in 2015. The completeness of the vaccination schedule at 12 and 24 months of age was considered a dependent variable. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, use of health services and vaccination were the independent variables. For analysis, descriptive statistics and Poisson regression with robust variance were used. Results: The completeness of the vaccination schedule at 12 and 24 months of age was identified in 77.1% and 68.8% of children, respectively. Coverage at 12 months was greater among children of mothers who received guidance from health professionals on vaccination or had health problems during childbirth or in the first seven days. Those who reported a previous episode of adverse reaction to the vaccine, coverage was lower. Coverage at 24 months was greater among those who received guidance from health professionals on vaccination or had health problems during childbirth or in the first seven days. Those who reported a previous episode of adverse reaction to the vaccine, coverage was lower. Conclusions: This study points to the importance of guiding health professionals, particulary nurses, on the vaccination and vaccine safety. Clinical implications: It is necessary the competent act of the health professionals in of immunization programs, as they are able to provide clear and accurate information of the vaccination. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)