<b>The premature babies and immunization practices</b> - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v9i2.8599

Abstract

The immunization of premature babie brings concerns and doubts, as there are contradictory information and taboos about their vaccination. This study points out that the premature child has specific needs, and demands specific care, which implies an appropriate vaccination schedule. Objectives: Identify how the immunization in premature infants is accomplished, and describe the aspects that interfere in the process. To know how the mothers of premature infants perceive their immunization. Methods: Qualitative and descriptive study. Seven caretakers of premature infants were interviewed in their homes. Data was collected from May to August 2007, through semi-structured interviews and descriptive observation, and then analyzed by content analysis technique. Results: Through the mothers’ reports, it is possible to observe that there are different parameters for the vaccination of the premature infants adopted by the health units and by the professionals considering age group or different weights for the beginning or continuation of the immunization, fact that can keep the infant without protection. Conclusion: Mothers reports showed that the health professionals have adopted different parameters to initiate and/or continue the vaccination. Some had considered the age and others the weight. These different adopted behaviors can result in the exposition of the child to the infectious and contagious illnesses. It was concluded that, periodic updating courses for the professionals responsible for the immunization are necessary, to guarantee the adequate protection of premature children.