Last update:

   31-May-2023
 

Arch Hellen Med, 40(3), May-June 2023, 301-308

REVIEW

Vaccination coverage of preschool age children in Greece

E. Maisi,1 K. Vlasiadis,2 C. Tsiou,3 E. Lachana,4 E. Patelarou5
1Microbiological Laboratory, "Dialynakeio" General Hospital-Health Center of Neapoli, Neapoli, Crete,
2Dental Clinic, University Hospital of Crete, Heraklion, Crete,
3Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens,
4Department of Nursing, University of Thessaly, Larissa,
5Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

The meaning of health as a concept tends to become lame and usual but it is the only concern of humans, from their preschool age. It is known that people who do not have health problems tend to be more productive and active members of the state and the economy. But in order to be healthy, vaccines are necessary to people, especially for children, who are the most vulnerable group to pathogens that cause diseases, some of which can be deadly. The attitude of hesitation towards vaccines and their non-acceptance by the total population still exists in our modern world, while the dimensions that they take on a global level pose an immediate danger to general public health. In Greece, the vaccination coverage in preschool age children is currently at a very good level, far exceeding the European average and even many of the most economically developed countries. The recent financial crisis does not seem to have significantly affected this coverage. However, there is no need for complacency, especially as the antivaccination movement which is developing in many countries, can affect our country as well. Continuous and honest information of parents, which should be carried out by specialized health professionals is the best way to ensure the optimal vaccination coverage of the preschool age children.

Key words: Preschool age, Vaccination coverage, Vaccines.


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