ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to determine vaccination ratios, to find the reasons of missing vaccination and to inform the parents about the benefits of vaccines.

The present study was performed among hospitalized infants between January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004.

The mean age of 660 infants consisting the study group was 5,3 (1-12) months. The parents were asked if their children was vaccinated with BCG, Diphteria- Pertussis-Tetanos, Polio, Hepatitis B and Measles. It was found that 274 (41,5%) of the infants had been vaccinated with all, 200 (30,3%) of the infants had missing vaccines and remaining 186 (28,2%) infants had never been vaccinated. The reasons for missing or absent vaccination were getting sick in the time of vaccination in 36,2%, the ignorance of the parents in 22,2% and being of low birth weight infant in 12,5% of the infants.

We concluded that the vaccination ratios could be increased by informing the parents in our country where the prevalance of the infectious diseases and malnutrition is so high. Moreover, the quality of health services could be raised by using the opportunities for completing the missing vaccines.

Keywords: Vaccines, infant, incomplet vaccination