Vaccination timeliness in preterm infants: An integrative review of the literature

Sisson, Helen; Gardiner, Eric; Watson, Roger

Abstract

© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Aims and objectives: To take a systematic approach to reviewing the scientific literature examining the timeliness of vaccination in preterm infants and to identify any factors associated with timeliness. Background: Preterm infants are vulnerable to infection and guidance advocates they are vaccinated in accordance with their full-term peers. Vaccination is well tolerated and protective immune responses are observed, yet some early enquiries suggest that preterm infants experience unwarranted delays. The recent surge in pertussis cases and the increase in vaccinations administered make this a topic requiring further exploration. Design: An integrative review of the empirical literature. Methods: Studies were identified following a search of Medline, Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The review methods used were influenced by a narrative synthesis approach. The retrieval of papers adhered to recognised reporting standards. Results: Fourteen studies were identified, which indicated that infants with the lowest gestational ages and birthweights experience the greatest delays. Vaccination timeliness is influenced by hospitalisation and increased postdischarge follow-up. There was a lack of consensus to indicate that parental socio-economic status and level of education were indicators for a delay. The studies propose that many delays are unjustified and not according to genuine contraindications. Conclusion: This review indicates that preterm infants are not vaccinated in a timely manner. Those involved in vaccinating preterm infants must be informed of the genuine contraindications to avoid unnecessary delays putting preterm infants at an increased risk of infection. Relevance to clinical practice: Care providers should acknowledge the risk of a delay in preterm infants and actively promote vaccination in this population. Regular training should help to negate the occurrence of inappropriate delays, and careful discharge planning is needed to ensure that preterm infants are vaccinated on time.

Citation

Sisson, H., Gardiner, E., & Watson, R. (2017). Vaccination timeliness in preterm infants: An integrative review of the literature. Journal of clinical nursing, 26(23-24), 4094-4104. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13916

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 7, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Aug 6, 2017
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 15, 2018
• Journal: Journal of clinical nursing
• Print ISSN: 0962-1067
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2702
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 23-24
• Pages: 4094-4104
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13916
• Keywords: Delay, Immunisation, Literature review, Low birth weight, Preterm, Timeliness, Vaccination
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/452034
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.13916/abstract
• Additional Information: This is a description of an article published in: Journal of clinical nursing, 2017
• Contract Date: Jun 7, 2017