Recurrent apnoea post immunisation: Informing re-immunisation policy

Abstract

Background: Preterm infants should receive immunisations according to their chronological, rather than gestational, age however concern about possible adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) in this group often means routine immunisations are delayed. A small number of infants may have apnoea with or without bradycardia temporally associated with immunisation. The risk factors for, and recurrence rate of apnoea with subsequent immunisations are unknown, which makes planning for subsequent immunisations for these highly vulnerable infants difficult. Aim: To determine recurrence rates for apnoea temporally associated with immunisation in preterm and term infants and to explore potential r..