Rotavirus vaccination coverage before and during the covid-19 pandemic in Fako division, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Rotavirus vaccines aim to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with severe gastroenteritis. Repeat infections are common but less severe than the primary infection. Rotarix vaccine is given orally in two doses at 2 and 4 months of age in Cameroon. Rotavirus remained a threat to the health of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic and many parts of the world witnessed a decline in vaccine coverage during this pandemic. We sought to find out If the story was the same in Fako Diivision, Cameroon, amidst a sociopolitical conflict. Methods: A retrospective study was done in 4 hospitals on Rotavirus immunization records of children under 5 from 2016-2022. Stratified sampling used, descriptive stats reported. Differences evaluated with Pearson’s chi square (P<0.05).