This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.
Abstract
The development of a safe and effective childhood immunization schedule has effectively reduced morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). VPDs are particularly severe in young infants, especially preterm (gestational age <37 weeks) or low birthweight (<2,500 g) infants. Despite established recommendations that preterm infants be immunized on the same schedule as term infants, with a few exceptions for specific vaccines, considerable immunization delays are reported. Studies demonstrate that vaccines are safe and immunogenic in preterm infants. Although the magnitude of immune responses sometimes may be lower for specific vaccines in preterm infants, protective and durable responses are achieved in most cases. For other VPDs that either selectively target (eg, group B Streptococcus) or are particularly severe (eg, pertussis) in preterm and term infants or for which no vaccine is licensed in this age group (eg, influenza), other immunization strategies such as maternal immunization or targeted immunization may reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Copyright © 2010 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
Individual Login
Institutional Login
You may be able to gain access using your login credentials for your institution. Contact your librarian or administrator if you do not have a username and password.
Log in through your institution
Pay Per Article - You may access this article (from the computer you are currently using) for 2 days for US$25.00
Regain Access - You can regain access to a recent Pay per Article purchase if your access period has not yet expired.