Discrepancies between Protocols of Immunization Targeting Internationally Adopted Children in Western Countries.
Cecilia Maria Alimenti, Angela Bechini, Sara Boccalini, Paolo Bonanni, Luisa Galli, Elena Chiappini
Author Information
Cecilia Maria Alimenti: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy.
Angela Bechini: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy.
Sara Boccalini: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy.
Paolo Bonanni: Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy.
Luisa Galli: Meyer Children's University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy.
Elena Chiappini: Meyer Children's University Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy.
The immunization status of Internationally Adopted Children (IAC) newly arrived in the adoptive country require a timely assessment and completion of necessary vaccinations. In fact, due to their frequent suboptimal immunization status, IAC are at high risk for vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). Comparative analysis of immunization protocols adopted in European countries, United States, and Canada disclosed different approaches to the immunization of these children. In order to guarantee the continuity of paediatric immunization schedules that may have been interrupted in countries of origin, a homogeneous and internationally shared standard of immunization in the management of IAC should be provided.
