Journal
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
Volume 18, Issue 1, Pages -Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1866950
Keywords
Neonatal; preterm; low birth weight; immunization; India; prematurity; infectious disease; vaccination
Categories
Funding
- Amrita Ostawal (Arete Communication UG)
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The high neonatal and infant mortality rate in India is partly due to the growing number of preterm and low birth weight infants, who are more susceptible to diseases due to their immature immune systems. Despite the recommendation for routine childhood vaccinations for all babies, many preterm and low birth weight infants in India experience delays in vaccination. Awareness campaigns may help address barriers to vaccination in this vulnerable population.
In India, the high neonatal and infant mortality rate is due in part to an increasing number of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants. Given the immaturity of immune system, these infants are at an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). In this narrative review, we screened the scientific literature for data on the risk of VPDs, vaccination delay and factors related to it in Indian preterm and LBW infants. Although routine childhood vaccinations are recommended regardless of gestational age or birth weight, vaccination is often delayed. It exposes these infants to a higher risk of infections, their associated complications, and death. After-birth complications, lack of awareness of recommendations, vaccine efficacy and effectiveness and concerns related to safety are some of the common barriers to vaccination. Awareness campaigns might help substantiate the need for (and value of) vaccination in preterm and LBW infants.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available