Abstract
IntroductionVaccination coverage of the first dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenza type b (pentavalent) vaccine for the City-Province of Kinshasain the years 2012 – 2014 wasbelow the national objective of 92%, with coverage less than 80% reported in 12 of the 35 health zones (HZ). The purpose of this study was to discern potential contributing factors to low vaccination coverage in Kinshasa.MethodsWe conducted a multi-stage cluster household study of children 6 – 11 months in households residing in their current neighborhood for at least 3 months in the 12 high risk HZ in Kinshasa. Additional information on vaccination status of the children was collected at the health facility.ResultsOf the 1,513 households with a child 6-11 months old, 81% were eligible and participated. Among the 1224 children surveyed, 96% had received the first dose of pentavalent vaccine; 84% had received the third dose; and 71% had received all recommended vaccines for their age. Longer travel time to get to health facility (p=0.04) and shorter length of residence in the neighborhood (p=0.04) showed significant differences in relation to incomplete vaccination. Forty percent of children received their most recent vaccination in a facility outside of their HZ of residence.ConclusionThis survey found vaccination coverage in 12 HZs in Kinshasa was higher than estimates derived from administrative reports. The large percentage of children vaccinated outside of their HZ of residence demonstrates the challenge to use of the Reaching Every District strategy in urban areas.
Highlights
Vaccination has been demonstrated to be a highly effective means to fight disease [1]
Introduction: vaccination coverage of the first dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine for the City-Province of Kinshasain the years 2012 – 2014 wasbelow the national objective of 92%, with coverage less than 80% reported in 12 of the 35 health zones (HZ)
Only 71% of 6-11 month old children were up to date for their age, indicating in this population more of a problem with children completing the vaccination series. This survey identified significant differences in being up to date for vaccination related to duration of residence in the neighborhood and distance to the health facility
Summary
Vaccination has been demonstrated to be a highly effective means to fight disease [1]. In order to reach the full potential of vaccination, the Global Vaccination Action Plan (GVAP) [1] and the regional goals for Africa aim to reach at least 90% vaccination coverage for routinely recommended vaccines at the national level and at least 80% in all the health districts by 2020 [3]. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) provides vaccination free of charge through its public, faith-based and private for-profit clinics. DRC national vaccination objectives for 2015 include 92% of children under 1 vaccinated with the first dose of diphtheria-tetanuspertussis-hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenza type b (pentavalent or Penta)and 90% vaccinated with measles containing vaccine (MCV) through routine vaccination services [4]
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