Evaluation of the vaccination status of children with congenital heart disease

Objective: Vaccines are of great importance for children with heart disease, as well as for all children, to lead a healthy life. However, there may be delays in the vaccination schedules of these children due to their currently diseases. This study aims to evaluate the vaccination status of children with congenital heart disease. Material and Methods: This study was carried out by applying a questionnaire to the families of 188 children aged 0-8 years with congenital heart disease who were followed regularly in the Pediatric Cardiology outpatient clinic of Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine and Istanbul Cerrahpasa-Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. In the questionnaire, family information, children's medical resumes and their vaccination status were questioned. It was recorded whether the vaccines included in the national vaccination calendar were applied or not and pavilizumab is applied or not. Statistical analysis was done with the NCSS 2007 Statistical Software program. Results: In this study, vaccination rates of children with heart disease with vaccines included in the national vaccination calendar were found to be higher than healthy children. Influenza vaccination rate was very low. MMR and chickenpox vaccinations were low in the presence of additional diseases (p<0,05). Previous cardiac operations, feeding behavior had no effect on vaccination (p>0,05). Conclusion: In addition to the follow-up of chronic diseases of children with congenital heart disease, regular and complete vaccinations are important for them to lead a healthy life. The healthcare team that monitors these children should increase their knowledge about vaccination practices, inform families about vaccines, and follow up on vaccination practices.