Reference Citation Analysis: Find an Article, Find a Category, Find a Journal, Find a Scholar

For: Kostik MM, Lubimova NA, Fridman IV, Goleva OV, Kharit SM. The vaccine coverage and vaccine immunity status and risk factors of non-protective levels of antibodies against vaccines in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: cross-sectional Russian tertiary Centre study. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2021;19:108. [PMID: 34225748 PMCID: PMC8256221 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-021-00594-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open

For:	Kostik MM, Lubimova NA, Fridman IV, Goleva OV, Kharit SM. The vaccine coverage and vaccine immunity status and risk factors of non-protective levels of antibodies against vaccines in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: cross-sectional Russian tertiary Centre study. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2021;19:108. [PMID: 34225748 PMCID: PMC8256221 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-021-00594-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open

Number

Cited by Other Article(s)

Makarova E, Goleva O, Gabrusskaya T, Ulanova N, Volkova N, Shilova E, Tolkmit M, Revnova M, Kharit S, Kostik M. Anti-vaccine antibodies against measles, rubella, parotitis and hepatitis B in children with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy controls. World J Clin Pediatr 2025;14:104704. [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v14.i3.104704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2025] [Accepted: 03/13/2025] [Indexed: 06/16/2025] Open

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) often miss the scheduled vaccines and have a higher risk of infection susceptibility, including vaccine-prevented diseases.

AIM

To evaluate the vaccine coverage and levels of the post-vaccine antibodies against measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B in children with IBD.

METHODS

Total 98 patients: 46 females (47.2%) and 52 males (52.8%) with IBD (Crohn’s disease-75% and ulcerative colitis-25%) with disease onset age-11.0 (6.0; 14.0) years whom clinical data, vaccination status and levels of the post-vaccination antibodies (IgG) for measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, measured with ELISA were prospectively evaluated. The control group consisted of 88 healthy peers from the biobank data.

RESULTS

Patients with IBD had lower levels of measles, rubella, and hepatitis B, except mumps, compared to controls. Incomplete vaccination/non-protective titer of the antibodies against measles, mumps rubella, and hepatitis B had 33 (33.7%)/52.3%, 21 (21.4%)/50.4%, 26 (25.8)/25.6% and 26 (25.8%)/55.2%, respectively. Patients with incomplete vaccination had a lower age at the diagnosis for all vaccines. The age of the IBD diagnosis ≤ 6 years was the predictor of incomplete vaccination for measles [odds ratio (OR) = 4.6, P = 0.001], mumps (OR = 5.0, P = 0.001), rubella (OR = 5.4, P = 0.0005) and hepatitis B (OR = 5.4, P = 0.0005) and corticosteroid treatment for measles (OR = 2.2, P = 0.074) and mumps (OR = 3.0, P = 0.047) vaccines. Incomplete vaccination was the predictor of non-protective titer of antibodies against rubella (OR = 6.8, 95%CI: 2.3-19.9, P = 0.0002)/mumps (OR = 7.0, 95%CI: 2.4-20.8; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

Patients with IBD had low vaccine coverage and lower levels of anti-vaccine antibodies against measles, rubella, and hepatitis B. Nearly half of the IBD patients require revaccination.

Collapse

Vazhappilly S, Adebiyi BO, Githumbi R, Johnson NA, Vanderkooi OG, Schmeling H. Evaluating Vaccination Status and Barriers in Children with Rheumatic Diseases. Vaccines (Basel) 2025;13:384. [PMID: 40333254 PMCID: PMC12030961 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines13040384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2025] [Revised: 03/21/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 05/09/2025] Open

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the vaccination status of children with rheumatic diseases (RD) compared to healthy controls (HC) and immunization barriers, as studies examining the vaccination status and factors promoting or hindering vaccination among children RD remain limited. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on children with RD (in a rheumatology clinic) and HC (in a fracture clinic) at a tertiary care center in Canada. Demographics, diagnosis, treatments, and vaccine status were obtained from health records and a provincial electronic vaccine database. A patient/caregiver questionnaire was used to capture perceived immunization barriers, concerns, and satisfaction. Descriptive statistical methods were used for analysis. Results: The study involved 144 children with RD and 111 HC. Data from 94 children with RD and 86 HC, all lifelong Alberta residents, were analyzed for objective vaccination status. Most vaccines were received at rates of 80% or higher, except the influenza vaccine, which had the lowest adherence (34% in RD vs. 21% in HC). In 31% of RD children, vaccinations were withheld due to active disease, healthcare provider advice, or caregiver concerns about side effects. In 27% HC, vaccinations were withheld due to side effects. Both groups primarily relied on their family doctor for vaccination information, and 85% or more expressed satisfaction with the information received. Conclusions: Most children with RD and HC received recommended vaccines, but influenza vaccination gaps were identified. Knowledge about vaccine contraindications in RD is well understood, but perceived safety concerns limit vaccination completeness. Healthcare providers, especially family doctors, pediatricians, and rheumatologists, should be providing education resources for vaccines and be proactive in discussing the safety and necessity of vaccinations.

Collapse

Nepesov MI, Gür GU, Yamanel RGS, Çakan M. Hepatitis B vaccine and juvenile idiopathic arthritis: comparison of the seropositivity rates with healthy children at the time of diagnosis and booster dose response under treatment. Clin Rheumatol 2025;44:1299-1305. [PMID: 39808236 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-025-07313-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 12/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2025] [Indexed: 01/16/2025]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to determine whether in children with newly diagnosed juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) differs from healthy children and to see whether the revaccination is safe and effective under JIA treatment.

METHODS

Patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of JIA between January 2020 and February 2024 were included. The control group consisted of healthy children matched for age and gender. Patients with JIA who were seronegative and revaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV) at follow-up visits were evaluated in terms of antibody responses and side effects after vaccination.

RESULTS

The study included 187 patients with JIA, 104 (55.6%) girls. In the JIA group, the mean anti-HBs levels were 120.8 ± 228.3 IU/L, and 64.7% of patients had anti-HBs levels ≥ 10 mIU/ml, while in the control group, the mean anti-HBs levels were 184.9 ± 304.4 IU/L, and 68.7% of children had protective antibody level against HBV. Sixty-six patients with JIA in whom anti-HBs level < 10 IU/L received an additional three doses of HBV vaccine. After booster vaccination, only one patient had anti-HBs level < 10 IU/L; in the other 65 JIA patients, the mean anti-HBs levels were 530.4 ± 320.8 IU/L. None of the patients observed serious side effects or JIA exacerbation after vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the mean anti-HBs levels in newly diagnosed JIA patients were lower than in healthy children, no difference was found in the seropositivity rates. Vaccination against HBV during JIA treatment is safe and effective and should be encouraged. Key Points • Hepatitis B virus infection remains a public health problem and publications are indicating that vaccine responses may be lower in autoimmune diseases such as juvenile idiopathic disease. • The mean antibody levels against the HBV vaccine in newly diagnosed JIA patients were lower than in healthy children. • The fact that patients diagnosed with JIA were revaccinated under treatment and no side effects were observed will support the vaccination of these patients.

Collapse

Alexeeva E, Dvoryakovskaya T, Fetisova A, Kriulin I, Krekhova E, Kabanova A, Labinov V, Labinova E, Kostik M. The Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Vaccination with Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccines Against Pneumococcal (13-Valent Vaccine) and Haemophilus influenzae Type b Infections in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Without Systemic Manifestations: A Prospective Cohort Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2025;13:177. [PMID: 40006724 PMCID: PMC11860303 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines13020177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2025] [Revised: 02/07/2025] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open

Abstract

Background: Immunosuppressive therapy (methotrexate and biological agents) for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is associated with an increased risk of severe infections, higher infection rates, treatment interruptions, failure to achieve disease remission, and recurrent disease flares. Our study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous immunization with 13-valent polysaccharide conjugate vaccines (PCV13) against S. pneumoniae (SP) and Hemophilus influanzae type b infections (HibV) in children with JIA without systemic manifestations. Methods: A total of 371 non-systemic JIA patients who received 13PCV and HibV were included in this prospective cohort study. In every patient, we evaluated clinical, laboratory, anti-SP, and anti-Hib IgG antibodies before vaccination, three weeks after, and six months after, and all adverse events (AEs) were collected during the study. The number and duration of acute respiratory infection (ARI) episodes and requirements for antibacterial treatment and AE six months before and after the baseline were collected. Results: The levels of the Ig G anti-SP and anti-Hib antibodies increased in the 3 weeks after vaccination; then, anti-SP antibodies slightly decreased and anti-Hib antibodies remained increased during the whole study, as well as in a part of the patients with a protective titer. During the study, there were no patients with significant flares, and the main JIA outcomes gradually decreased during the trial. The number of patients with uveitis remained equal, as well as the part of the patients with active, low-active, and inactive uveitis. There was no significant rise in the hs-CRP or S100 protein after the vaccination. Previous or ongoing treatment with non-biological (p = 0.072) and biological (p = 0.019) disease-modified anti-rheumatic drugs affected the Hib and did not affect the anti-SP protective titer at the end of the study. Within 6 months following vaccination, the number of ARI episodes (p < 0.001) and the number of courses of antibacterial treatment (p < 0.0001) decreased twice. The median duration of ARI episodes decreased four times (p < 0.0001). Mild AEs (injection site reactions and short-term fever episodes) were found in 58 (15.6%) patients with JIA, and 1 patient (0.2%) developed an SAE. Conclusions: Simultaneous vaccination against pneumococcal and Hib infections reduces the frequency and duration of episodes of ARI, as well as the number of courses of antibacterial drugs, and does not lead to significant JIA flares. The number of reported AEs is consistent with what was expected.

Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Ekaterina Alexeeva Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, National Medical Research Center of Children’s Health, Moscow 119991, Russia; (E.A.); (T.D.); (A.F.); (I.K.); (E.K.); (A.K.) Clinical Institute of Children’s Health Named After N.F. Filatov, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia (E.L.)
Tatyana Dvoryakovskaya Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, National Medical Research Center of Children’s Health, Moscow 119991, Russia; (E.A.); (T.D.); (A.F.); (I.K.); (E.K.); (A.K.) Clinical Institute of Children’s Health Named After N.F. Filatov, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia (E.L.)
Anna Fetisova Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, National Medical Research Center of Children’s Health, Moscow 119991, Russia; (E.A.); (T.D.); (A.F.); (I.K.); (E.K.); (A.K.)
Ivan Kriulin Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, National Medical Research Center of Children’s Health, Moscow 119991, Russia; (E.A.); (T.D.); (A.F.); (I.K.); (E.K.); (A.K.)
Elizaveta Krekhova Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, National Medical Research Center of Children’s Health, Moscow 119991, Russia; (E.A.); (T.D.); (A.F.); (I.K.); (E.K.); (A.K.)
Anna Kabanova Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, National Medical Research Center of Children’s Health, Moscow 119991, Russia; (E.A.); (T.D.); (A.F.); (I.K.); (E.K.); (A.K.)
Vladimir Labinov Clinical Institute of Children’s Health Named After N.F. Filatov, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia (E.L.)
Elizaveta Labinova Clinical Institute of Children’s Health Named After N.F. Filatov, Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia (E.L.)
Mikhail Kostik Hospital Pediatry, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint-Petersburg 194100, Russia

Collapse

Kariniotaki C, Bertsias G, Galanakis E, Perdikogianni C. Vaccination Coverage and Attitudes in Children and Adults on Biologic Therapies: Cocooning Strategies, Undervaccination Factors and Predictors of Favorable Attitudes. Vaccines (Basel) 2025;13:152. [PMID: 40006699 PMCID: PMC11861045 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines13020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2025] [Accepted: 01/28/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025] Open

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Infections pose a significant risk of morbidity and mortality to patients on biologics, with the vaccination of both patients and their close contacts serving as a key preventive measure. Despite its importance, there are limited data on the vaccination coverage for this group, and no studies have examined the vaccination status of patients' close contacts.

OBJECTIVES

To assess vaccination rates among patients on biologics and their household contacts, identifying reasons for inadequate vaccination and examining factors influencing vaccination status and attitudes is crucial.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to February 2023 at the two hospitals in Heraklion, Crete, including adult and pediatric patients on biologics. Data were collected through medical records and interviews and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and MedCalc2006.

RESULTS

Among the 446 adults, vaccination rates were as follows: 83% for COVID-19, 73.8% for influenza, 64.5% for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 29.6% for the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, and 4% for Tdap. Among the 26 children included, those with basic immunization schedule coverage exceeded 96%, but rates for the vaccines usually administered at adolescence were lower (Tdap: 47.8%, HPV: 42.1%, MenACWY: 66.7%). COVID-19 vaccination was at 38.5%. Regarding the additional vaccines recommended due to treatment-induced immunosuppression, 69.2% of pediatric patients received the annual influenza vaccine, while only 19.2% received the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Household contacts demonstrated low vaccination rates (<59%), except for COVID-19 (81%). Female gender (p < 0.007) and older age (by 1 year, p < 0.001) were associated with favorable attitudes and higher coverage in adults, while in pediatric patients, no statistically significant associations were found. A lack of physician recommendation was the primary reported reason for not being vaccinated.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant vaccination gaps exist among patients on biologics and their close contacts, largely due to inadequate physician recommendations. Raising awareness and strengthening healthcare provider roles are essential to improve coverage in this high-risk group.

Collapse

Azoicai AN, Miron I, Lupu A, Alexoae MM, Starcea IM, Alecsa M, Lupu VV, Danielescu C, Nedelcu AH, Salaru DL, Dragan F, Ioniuc I. COVID-19 vaccination: challenges in the pediatric population. Front Public Health 2025;12:1390951. [PMID: 39944570 PMCID: PMC11813920 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 12/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2025] Open

Akgün Ö, Demirkan FG, Kavrul Kayaalp G, Erdemir M, Akay N, Çakmak F, Önel M, Keskindemirci G, Eker Ömeroğlu R, Gökçay EG, Aktay Ayaz N. Vaccination coverage of children with rheumatic diseases compared with healthy controls: a retrospective case-control study. Postgrad Med 2023;135:824-830. [PMID: 37997766 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2023.2287988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the vaccination status of patients with pediatric rheumatic disease (PedRD) and to compare this with healthy controls.

METHODS

The electronic health records of the Ministry of Health regarding the vaccination status of children with PedRD followed in a tertiary hospital were analyzed cross-sectionally and compared with their healthy controls. The missing vaccines were reported according to individual, age-appropriate schedule and causes of skipped vaccines in both groups were investigated with an online survey.

RESULTS

The vaccination rate of patients in the last examination was 71.4% (90/126) and 95.7% (110/115) in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, diphtheria, the administration rates of the second dose of tetanus-acellular pertussis-inactivated polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B, chickenpox, and hepatitis A vaccines were significantly lower in patients than in controls (p values 0.004, 0.02, 0.01, 0.013, respectively). The pre-diagnosis incomplete vaccination proportion was significantly higher in the patient group (16.6%) than in healthy controls (4.3%) (p = 0.002). In the patient group, the proportion of incomplete live-attenuated vaccines after diagnosis (25%) was more than pre-diagnosis (61.1%) (p = 0.04), while the proportion of incomplete non-live vaccines before and after diagnosis was similar (47.2% and 50%, respectively) (p = 0.73). The major reasons for missed vaccines were physicians' recommendations (15.6%), the presence of PedRD diagnosis (12.5%), and the drugs used (12.5%).

CONCLUSION

Vaccination coverage of PedRD patients has been shown to lag behind the routine vaccination schedule (71.4%). In addition to new recommendations, electronic health system records for vaccination may be appropriate for the follow-up of these patients, and the addition of reminder alerts may be useful to reduce the rate of missed vaccinations.

Collapse

Makarova E, Khabirova A, Volkova N, Gabrusskaya T, Ulanova N, Sakhno L, Revnova M, Kostik M. Vaccination coverage in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and healthy peers: Cross-sectional electronic survey data. World J Clin Pediatr 2023;12:45-56. [PMID: 37034429 PMCID: PMC10075019 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i2.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Patients with immune-mediated diseases, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing infections, due to disease-related immune dysfunction and applying of immunosuppressive drugs.

AIM

To evaluate vaccine coverage in patients with IBD and JIA, and compare it with healthy children.

METHODS

In the cross-sectional study we included the data from a questionnaire survey of 190 Legal representatives of children with JIA (n = 81), IBD (n = 51), and healthy children (HC, n = 58). An electronic online questionnaire was created for the survey.

RESULTS

There were female predominance in JIA patients and younger onset age. Parents of JIA had higher education levels. Employment level and family status were similar in the three studied groups. Patients with JIA and IBD had lower vaccine coverage, without parental rejection of vaccinations in IBD, compare to JIA and healthy controls. The main reason for incomplete vaccination was medical conditions in IBD and JIA. IBD patients had a lower rate of normal vaccine-associated reactions compared to JIA and HC. The encouraging role of physicians for vaccinations was the lowest in JIA patients. IBD patients had more possibilities to check antibodies before immune-suppressive therapy and had more supplementary vaccinations compared to JIA and HC.

CONCLUSION

JIA and IBD patients had lower vaccine coverage compared to HC. Physicians' encouragement of vaccination and the impossibility of discus about future vaccinations and their outcomes seemed the main factors for patients with immune-mediated diseases, influencing vaccine coverage. Further investigations are required to understand the reasons for incomplete vaccinations and improve vaccine coverage in both groups, especially in rheumatic disease patients. The approaches that stimulate vaccination in healthy children are not always optimal in children with immune-mediated diseases. It is necessary to provide personalized vaccine-encouraging strategies for parents of chronically ill children with the following validation of these technics.

Collapse

Gicchino MF, Abbate FG, Amodio A, Miraglia Del Giudice E, Olivieri AN. Preliminary observations on the immunogenicity and safety of vaccines to prevent COVID-19 in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Acta Paediatr 2022;111:2359-2361. [PMID: 35801364 PMCID: PMC9349616 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]

Balažiová B, Kuková Z, Mišíková D, Novosedlíková K, Dallos T. Real-life vaccination coverage in Slovak children with rheumatic diseases. Front Pediatr 2022;10:956136. [PMID: 36034574 PMCID: PMC9412159 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.956136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based recommendations for vaccination of patients with pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) are available, their implementation in practice is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze real-life vaccination coverage in children with PRDs and identify reasons for incomplete vaccination.

METHODS

Up-to-date information on vaccination status of Slovak children followed at a tertiary pediatric rheumatology center was retrieved from pediatricians over an 18-month period and compared to the standard Slovak Immunization Schedule. Reasons for missed vaccinations were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Vaccination records of 156 patients (median age 10 years, 2-18) with PRDs (JIA n = 108, systemic diseases n = 21, autoinflammatory diseases n = 16, uveitis n = 9, others n = 2) were available for analysis. 117 (75.0%) were completely vaccinated, 2 (1.3%) had not received any vaccine due to reasons unrelated to PRD. 37 (23.7%) remaining patients missed altogether 48 mandatory vaccinations. In 58.3% (n = 28, in 24 patients) no PRD related reasons for missing vaccinations were identified. Only 20 vaccinations (18 live-attenuated and 2 non-live in 19 patients) were missed due to ongoing immunosuppressive treatment or PRD activity. Patients aged 11-14 years were more likely to be incompletely vaccinated than other age groups (48.8% vs. 15.9%, p < 0.001), mainly due to missed MMR booster. Systemic immunosuppressive treatment was a significant predictor for incomplete vaccination status (OR 5.03, 95% CI 1.13-22.31, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Full vaccination is possible in a high proportion of PRD patients. In addition to immunosuppressive therapy, reasons unrelated to PRDs are a frequent and possibly inadequate cause of missed vaccinations. Periodic vaccination status assessments are needed in pediatric rheumatology care.

Collapse