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Zero-dose children in Latin America: analysis of the problem and possible solutions

Abstract:

Introduction: Zero-dose children (ZDC) are defined as those that have never been reached by routine immunization services. In Latin America, almost 2.7 million infants younger than 1 year of age, have incomplete vaccination schedules, and vaccine preventable diseases such as measles or polio have increase worldwide. ZDC are reported to reside in high risk and fragile settings, including remote-rural areas, urban slums, and conflict-affected areas. Identifying the problem and settings in each country is mandatory to propose possible solutions to the immunization coverage situation. Areas covered: In November 2023, a group of experts of the Latin America Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE) analyzed the global and regional reality of ZDC, and present in this document an updated reality of the Latin American region and the weight of the possible interventions to overcome this problem. Expert commentary: Communication is a key element to improve vaccination coverage, as it is quality and use of vaccination data. Campaigns that deliver targeted and effective messages to communities and families, provide education about vaccination, avoid missed vaccination opportunities, and coordinate efforts across different sectors and communities, among other strategies, could improve the current immunization situation.