Immunization Coverage and Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy in Pediatric Populations

Abstract

This research assessed the vaccination coverage and examined what influences the reluctance to vaccinate caregivers of 1223 months old children in a number of neighborhood clusters.  The study used a quantitative cross sectional design to collect the data through the administration of structured interviews and checking of immunization records.  The use of descriptive and multivariate analysis helped to explain which factors are critical in influencing partial immunization as well as parental reluctance to vaccination.  The findings indicated that the general vaccination cover was 18.1%. Earlier antigens such as BCG (90.6; Penta3: 63.7) and Penta1 (88.5) were far more popular, although there was significant drop between multi-dose series (Penta3: 63.7; PCV3: 55.3).  Fifty-four point two percent of caregivers said that they were extremely reluctant to receive the vaccine. This was closely associated with the exposure to fake news (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.552.85) and the necessity to drive more than an hour (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.152.24).  Conversely, people were less likely to be hesitant if they had more education (AOR = 0.66; 95% CI 0.480.92) and trusted the health workers (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.350.66).  The most frequent self-reported concerns were the potential unwanted side effects of the vaccine (54.8%) and a distrust of the healthcare systems (35.7%).  The results indicate that vaccine hesitancy remains a significant issue that contributes to the difficulty in achieving herd immunity. They also demonstrate that we should employ those tactics that have been effective in certain circumstances, like managing misinformation, simplifying access to services, and creating trust between providers and parents, to have more kids vaccinated.