Shi JS, Sutaria A, Lakshmanan S, Attell B, Zhou M, Tang A, et al. Immunization adherence among children with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait: Results of a population‐based study. Pediatric blood & cancer. 2024 July;71(7):e31042-n/a.
Explanation:
This article examines whether children with sickle cell disease are receiving their vaccinations on time compared to children with sickle cell trait. Children with sickle cell disease need to receive their vaccinations on time, as these children are at a higher risk of infections. The data for the study were obtained from thousands of children in the state of Georgia.
Key points:
- Why vaccines matter in sickle cell: Children with sickle cell disease have a weakened immune system and are more likely to suffer from serious infections, like pneumonia. Vaccines help protect them against life-threatening infections.
- What the study did: Researchers studied children born from 2008 to 2019 and compared the vaccination rate between children with sickle cell disease and those with sickle cell trait. They checked if the children were “up-to-date” with vaccines at 24 months and 35 months.
- Main finding: Children with sickle cell disease reported to have slightly higher vaccination rates than children with the sickle cell trait, particularly by 35 months of age.
- Overall vaccination rates: Although children with sickle cell disease did better, the vaccination rates were still not ideal:
- 66% of children with sickle cell disease were fully vaccinated at 35 months old.
- 62% of children carrying the sickle cell trait were fully vaccinated.
- Which vaccines were completed the most: Hepatitis B
- Which vaccines were least completed: Varicella (chickenpox vaccine)
- Commonly missed vaccines: Varicella, DTap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
- Why SCD children may do better: Children with sickle cell disease may visit doctors more often, so they have higher frequency to receive vaccines on time.
- Barriers to vaccination: poor coordination between doctors, limited access to healthcare, and vaccine hesitancy.
- Improvements: the article suggests that improvements such as better communication between healthcare providers, more organized care, improved access to healthcare services, and education to reduce vaccine fears are potential next steps.
Written By: Hibah Naeem
