Abstract

ESCOBAR M, Julia Inés  and  OROZCO L, Adalberto. Immunization coverage estimation in children under five years old in Pereira (Colombia). Rev. Fac. Nac. Salud Pública [online]. 2005, vol.23, n.2, pp.16-24. ISSN 0120-386X.

Immunization coverage estimation was made in Pereira (Colombia) in children under five years old using a randomized and stratified cluster sampling. Coverage rates over 90% were observed for all vaccines and for all age groups when these were calculated only with children who had vaccination records. 82% of children had suitable vaccination schedule and 79% a complete vaccination schedule. 16.6% of children’s caregivers had lost the vaccination records. This figure increased with the age of the children. A logistic regression analysis showed that the most benefic profile for the vaccination status was to live in socio-economic stratum 3, to be Immunization coverage estimation in children under five years old in Pereira (Colombia) under one year old, to be affiliated to health social security system and to be born in Pereira. Despite the suitable vaccination coverage observed interventions are suggested in order to avoid caregivers to lose vaccination records and to improve the percentage of children with suitable and complete vaccination schedules implementing a strategy of follow-up at birth.

Keywords : Extended program of immunization coverage; immunization programs; cluster sampling; Pereira.