Greek Schoolchildren Immunization Coverage Data From Central Greece

Background: Infectious diseases are a major Public Health problem and they are identified as one of the most important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate children and adolescence immunization, according to their Personal Health Card (PHC). Method and material: The sample studied consisted of 493 students of Elementary Gymnasium and Lyceum schools at Stylida of Fthiotida Municipality. Data were recorded in a specially designed form for the needs of the study, which included demographic and clinical variables as well as the vaccination coverage. Additionally, a thorough physical examination was conducted. Statistic analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 13 and the statistical method was x2-test. Results: Of the 493 participants students, two hundred and forty six (49.99%) were females and 247 (50.01%) males. A chronic medical condition was traced in 19 students and a past infectious disease in 247 (50%). Full vaccination coverage reached 54% (268), while the level of incomplete coverage was 37% (181). 9% of the children had no PHC available, while 2 children had undergone no vaccination at all. In males, 133 children (54%) were fully vaccinated, 84 (34%) incomplete, 2(1%) not ever vaccinated and 28 participants (11%) had no PHC. In females, the percentages were 55%,(135), 39% (97), 6% (11), respectively, while there was not any unvaccinated girl. Incomplete vaccine coverage for MMR was discovered at 48% (134), 25% (70) for Hepatitis B, 21% (61) for D.T. of Adult. Vaccination coverage for DTP was 100 %. Conclusions: The establishment of a National Program of Vaccination is a matter of great priority as percentages regarding most infectious diseases are below the recommended ones.

Author(s): Tsiriga Sophia, Yfadi Eleni, Mastrapa Euagelia, Liapy Frideriki, Tsiriga Stella, Yfadis Aris, Taxiarchopoupos Nikos

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