The present study covers 79 children under 6 years of age living in the outskirts of Bauru-SP, Brazil, and surveyed at Unidade Básica de Saúde (Vila São Paulo), who were absent from vaccination shots. Aiming to identify social characteristics, accine awareness, vaccination records and reasons that prevent parents from taking their children to the health center absentees were interviewed in their homes. 47 children were found, and the absences were rooted in the great family mobility due to social difficulties. These are starting families, connubial type, whose responsible individuals have low educational level and are unemployed or in manual unqualified jobs. 98% of families are poor with incomes 0.25 below minimum wage. In general was good vaccin awareness. Absenteism was explained by forgetfulness and child disease. UBS hours and distance from their homes were also mentioned. 64% of children referred to as absents by UBS had taken all the shots previous. As a conclusion, absentees showed be given opportunities to get in line with the vaccination schedule until the local Family Health Program is implemented.

KEY WORDS: vaccination absenteism, immunization, vaccinal coverage, absents, living conditions and health