Determinants of Full Vaccination Status in Children Attending Immunization Clinic in a Tertiary Hospital in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Immunization is a cost-effective approach aimed at improving child survival. Coverage is an indicator to monitor the progress towards achieving  child survival and the strategy to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 300 mothers /caregivers attending a tertiary institution clinic for immunization of the children using immunization card and verbal response of the mother. Findings from the study showed that 220 (73.3%) of the index children were fully vaccinated for age while 80 (26.7%) were not. BCG was the  commonest vaccine received by the respondents as 280 (93.3%) received it, followed by OPV, 261 (87.0%) and Pentavalent vaccine, 246 (82.0%). Majority of the index children were vaccinated for age with high BCG, OPV and Pentavalent vaccine coverage rates. Socio-demographic factors that influenced the utilization of immunization included the mothers’ level of education, occupation, reception of antenatal care. A better understanding of the immunization schedule is important in the design and implementation of immunization programmes. Educating mothers about vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases are recommended.

Keywords: determinants, vaccination, tertiary hospital, childhood