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Vaccine coverage for vaccines provided through the National Immunization Program is an element that is evaluated annually, including in Romania. Unfortunately, with the exception of the tuberculosis vaccine which has an optimal vaccine coverage (over 95%) both in total and in areas of residence (urban and rural), thus ensuring effective protection, for other types of vaccines this desideratum does not reach. Vaccine coverage of less than 95% does not provide effective cohort protection. This is the case for all types of pediatric vaccines administered in our country, other than the tuberculosis vaccine. Comparing the national data with those determined by World Health Organization worldwide, we notice that in Romania, although the percentages are not very low, their amount does not offer sufficient protection. Real tests and measures with an impact on the immunization process are needed to increase the level of vaccine coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vaccines represent one of the most effective and cost-saving public health interventions. Still, this measure continues to be underused all over the world. Immunization averts an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths every year from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and measles. Although globally the proportion of children who receive recommended vaccines has remained steady for the past few years, we observed during our clinical practice that the vaccination coverage in Romania might be lower than the needed immunization rate. The objective of this study is to test this hypothesis and to highlight the causes of low vaccination rates in Romania. Materials and methods: We collected data regarding different variables such as vaccination status, living area, mothers' age from the patient charts of all the infants (278) hospitalized in the Clinical Hospital “Dr Victor Gomoiu” during a three-month period (1st of August - 31st of October). We determined the frequencies and analysed the differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated children regarding the above mentioned variables using EpiInfo 7.1.5.2. Results and discussion: Of the 278 infants, 15 (5.9%) were excluded because of missing data, 194 (69.79%) were completely vaccinated and 69 (24.8%) were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. We found that unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated infants are more likely to have adolescent mothers than vaccinated children (24.64 % compared to 10.82%). Children who live in rural areas have lower immunization rates. In our study, we observed that vaccination rate is higher among children living in urban areas (78.8%) than among children living in rural areas. Conclusions: The immunization rate in Romania is lower than the recommended immunization rate. Child neglect, difficulty to reach health providers, and lack of information could be some of the causes. Whether the true responsible for this issue is the children's caregiver, the Health Ministry, or both, immunization coverage represents an important public health issue and it should be further and thoroughly investigated in the search for a solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]