OBJECTIVE:
to describe aspects related to missed vaccination opportunities at Primary Health Care Units at Health District II, in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
METHODS:
this was a descriptive study aimed at children under 1 year of age with delayed vaccination in 2012; data were collected by applying structured forms and an interview with parents or guardians.
RESULTS:
18 Primary Health Care Units and 33 vaccinators were evaluated. 300 vaccination record cards were analyzed, 120 (40%) of which were found to have overdue vaccinations. More than half the professionals did not vaccinate children in situations considered appropriate for vaccination and 50% parents or guardians reported 'lack of time' and 'forgetfulness' as reasons for overdue vaccination.
CONCLUSION:
delayed vaccination was found; vaccinators have conducts which may be characterized as missing vaccination opportunities.
Vaccines; Immunization Programs; Health Centers; Infants; Descriptive Epidemiology