The proportion of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) due to chronic illness is increasing. They have a high risk of complications due to infectious diseases.
Objective: To describe adherence to the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) and administration of other expert recommended vaccines in CSHCN.
Patients and methods: In a retrospective manner information on chronic disease, EPI vaccines administration, reasons for delays, prescription and administration of additionally recommended vaccines was registered in a cohort of hospitalized CSHCN.
Results: Seventy children were analyzed. Thirty (42.9%) had at least one delay in EPI immunization schedule; 40% due to previous hospitalizations, 26.7% due to minor morbidity and 20% due to other unjustified reasons. Forty-nine (70.0%) received prescriptions for additional vaccines, but only 25 actually received them.
Conclusions: CSHCN showed low adherence to EPI and received few additionally recommended vaccines. Every contact with these patients, including hospitalization should be used to update immunizations.