Vaccination coverage of non-funded vaccines in infants and its relationship with sociodemographic factors

Introduction: the common vaccination schedule establishes the vaccines funded in Spain. However, each regional health authority can fund alternative vaccines in its territory, exacerbating health inequalities, as families bear the cost of vaccines not funded in their community. In this study, we will evaluate the effect of sociodemographic factors on the administration of non-funded vaccines in 2-month-old infants at the Illes Columbretes and Grao de Castellón health centers; Valencian Community, Spain.

Materials and methods: this descriptive observational cross-sectional study consisted of a sample of 115 subjects, with data based on a questionnaire administered to parents or guardians. Subsequently, bivariate, multivariate, and ROC analysis will be conducted.

Results: the bivariate analysis shows that, with the mother's older age, higher level of education and employment status of both parents, Spanish nationality, non-rejection of funded vaccines, and lower family overcrowding index, the vaccination of menACWY (vaccines for menningococal serogroups A, C, W and Y) increases. Likewise, with higher level of education of both parents, mother's employment, Spanish nationality, non-rejection of funded vaccines, vaccination of siblings with non-funded vaccines, older mother's age, and lower family overcrowding index, the vaccination of rotavirus increases. Multivariate analysis links menACWY vaccination with higher level of education and maternal age, paternal employment, and Spanish nationality; and rotavirus vaccination with higher maternal education level, Spanish nationality, and lower family overcrowding index.

Conclusions: unfavorable sociodemographic factors are associated with lower coverage of non-founded vaccines.