Vaccine-preventable Childhood Diseases Research Articles

The Reemergence of Measles: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Laboratory Diagnosis and Management.

Measles is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable childhood disease in developing countries, with the highest incidence among children under 5 years of age. The emergence and recurrence of measles as an infectious disease affects high-risk groups and the number of cases and deaths increases rapidly. Before the idea of ​​vaccination was introduced, more than 2 million people died each year. Measles is most common in areas where there is little or no vaccination coverage, especially areas with limited resources such as Africa and Nigeria. Although measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, it is endemic in Nigeria and exhibits a seasonal pattern with high incidence during the dry season, with most occurring between February and April every year, which is associated with the dry season. In 2016, an estimated 39.9 million measles cases and 777,000 deaths were recorded worldwide. Africa and East Asia account for 70% and 84% of measles and measles-related diseases reported worldwide. Nigeria is Africa's largest country and the burden of measles remains high. Measles is endemic in most of the northern states of Nigeria, including Sokoto state. In this review study, we discuss the reemergence of measles: epidemiology, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis and management.

Waning of Humoral Immunity to Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Children Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Single-Center Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis

The survival rates of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved over the years, but infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Chemotherapy has a range of harmful side effects including the loss of protective antibodies against vaccine-preventable diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the serological status of pediatric ALL cases before and after intensive chemotherapy. Children treated and followed for ALL at Dokuz Eylül University were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Antibody levels against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rubella were routinely assessed at both the time of diagnosis and 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. Measles, mumps, and varicella antibody levels were evaluated at only 6 months after treatment. Seventy-eight children who completed chemotherapy for ALL were enrolled in the study. All participants had non-protective antibody levels for at least one of the diseases. The highest seropositivity rate was found for hepatitis A (55.1%) and the lowest for measles (17.9%) after chemotherapy. Overall, 50.7%, 30.6%, and 45.7% of the patients significantly lost their humoral immunity against hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and rubella, respectively. Patients in the higher-risk group for ALL had lower seropositivity rates than patients of the other risk groups. There were statistically significant relationships between the protective antibody rates for hepatitis A and varicella and the ages of the patients. Except for hepatitis A vaccination, pre-chemotherapy vaccination did not affect post-chemotherapy serology. On the other hand, all children with a history of varicella before diagnosis showed immunity after chemotherapy. Patients with ALL, including those previously fully vaccinated, are at great risk of infection due to the decrease in protective antibody levels after chemotherapy. There is a need for routine post-chemotherapy serological testing and re-vaccination based on the results obtained.

Using big data to analyze the vaccination status of children with congenital heart disease in Yinzhou District, China

ABSTRACT Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a significant population warranting particular attention concerning vaccination coverage. To comprehend the vaccination status of CHD within Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, China, and to facilitate the formulation of preventive, control, and immunization strategies against vaccine-preventable diseases in children with congenital heart conditions. Using the China Yinzhou Electronic Health Record Study (CHERRY) database, we analyzed the vaccination coverage of children with CHD born between January 1, 2016 and September 20, 2021, and analyzed the influencing factors associated with the level of vaccination coverage. This study involved 762 children diagnosed with CHD at the age of 12 months, revealing that 86.74% of these children had received at least one dose of the National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccines. The coverage for non-NIP vaccines, such as the rotavirus vaccine, influenza vaccine, Influenza Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Conjugate Vaccine, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), and inactivated enterovirus type 71 vaccine (EV71), stood at 27.30%, 7.74%, 63.25%, 33.76%, and 34.51%, respectively. The completion coverage for the entire vaccination schedule were 27.30%, 5.51%, 55.77%, 34.25%, and 25.59%, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between vaccination coverage in classification of diagnostic medical institutions and the types of diagnosed diseases. Compared to their typically developing counterparts, 12-month-old children afflicted with CHD exhibit a slightly diminished vaccination coverage, alongside a discernible inclination toward delayed vaccination. Notably, the determination to undergo vaccinations seems predominantly influenced by the classification of diagnostic medical institutions. In practical terms, proactive measures involving early diagnosis, comprehensive health assessments, and timely interventions ought to be implemented to enhance vaccination rates while prioritizing safety.

Associations of parental education with children's infectious diseases and their mediating factors: the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

BackgroundParents' educational background is presumed to influence the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in children through their decisions about vaccinations and other family lifestyle choices. Regarding voluntary vaccination, a household's economic situation may also be associated with non-vaccination. Therefore, this study investigated the association between parental education and vaccine-preventable diseases (varicella, mumps, influenza [flu], pertussis, measles, and rubella) in children, which currently remains elusive.MethodsWe used datasets from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, which included 104,062 fetal records; our study population comprised 80,930 children up to the age of three years. The associations between parental educational background and children's infectious diseases were examined using binomial logistic regression analysis. The mediating effects of household income, vaccination, and smoking were examined using a path analysis.ResultsFor varicella, mumps, and influenza covered by voluntary vaccination, a higher education level of the father was associated with a lower incidence of infection. The association between mothers' education and children's infection was limited. There were both income-mediated and non-income-mediated pathways between parental education and voluntary vaccination. For pertussis, measles, and rubella, which are covered by routine vaccines, there was no association between parental education and the child's infection.ConclusionAn association between parental education and childhood infections was observed. Additionally, providing financial support for vaccination and communicating the benefits of vaccination in a way that parents at all levels of education can understand will help reduce the incidence of infectious diseases among children.

Vaccination against pertussis in Latin American preterm and low-birth weight infants: experts opinion position for a neglected childhood age group

ABSTRACTBackgroundPertussis remains as one of the oldest leading vaccine-preventable diseases of childhood, despite many decades of primary vaccine doses’ and boosters’ implementation. Although the epidemiology is well understood in infants and children, premature babies and low-birth weight infants remain a special group where the disease incidence is unknown, severity of the disease is considerable, and specific vaccination recommendations are scarce.Research design and methodsA retrospective review of the available evidence of pertussis vaccination in premature and low birth weight infants was analyzed from January 2000 to December 2022 in six selected countries: Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Panamá, Costa Rica, and Chile.ResultsChile had reports of adverse effects associated with vaccination of premature infants with the pentavalent vaccine, and their rationale to switching to the hexavalent vaccine. Colombia had reports of the justification for the use of hexavalent vaccine in prematures in the Neonatal Units and Kangaroo Mother Programs throughout the country. Mexico had selected publications of the vaccination status in prematures and low-birth weight infants.ConclusionDespite its importance, increased morbidity, and highest risk of complications in premature babies, there is a paucity of information of vaccine recommendations and coverage rates among selected Latin American infants.

Alternative Practices of Vaccination among Parents in Selangor, Malaysia

Parental refusal of vaccine is a growing concern as there is an increased occurrence of vaccine preventable diseases in children. However, there are limited studies that have looked into various alternative methods practised by parents who refused standard vaccination especially in Malaysia. This study aimed at exploring alternative methods taken by parents to enhance child immunity. Twenty-seven (27) parents were interviewed in Selangor between July and September 2017 via semi-structured interview questions. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted to ascertain key themes. Three main themes were recognized: 1) selective food practices, 2) alternative lifestyle practices and 3) traditional or complementary medicine (TCM) / supplement consumption practices. Consumption of As-Sunnah food, fresh food, healthy eating, avoiding processed food, junk food and synthetic flavouring are among selective food practices reported by parents. Alternative lifestyle practice encompasses preference for children to stay away from crowded places. Some parents preferred TCM or supplement consumption to substitute vaccinations such as homeopathy, traditional medicine and vitamins. As a summary, parental alternative practices are used to substitute vaccination which can never replace the true functionality of vaccines as these alternatives are merely compliments. It is recommended that MOH should formulate interventions that will alleviate misconceptions in order to decrease vaccine refusal rate.

A deterministic mathematical model for optimal control of diphtheria disease with booster vaccination

Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by a strain of Corynebacterium diphtheria and forms part of the childhood vaccine-preventable diseases. The Diphtheria vaccine is a component of one of the routine vaccines given to children thrice before their first birthday. The protection against diphtheria derived from the diphtheria vaccine in infancy wanes in later childhood, necessitating a booster dose to protect the child as they grow older. To determine the impact of a booster dose of the diphtheria vaccine amidst a contaminated environment, a diphtheria model that incorporates a vaccine booster and a contaminated environment is formulated. The reproduction number R0 is computed and used to prove the local and global stability of the disease-free equilibrium. Global sensitivity analysis is conducted via the application of Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) with a Partial Rank Correlation coefficient on the infected humans and the contaminated environment to deduce the most sensitive parameters of the dynamics of diphtheria disease. Then, the model is further extended based on the result of the global sensitivity analysis by introducing four time-dependent controls, disinfection, screening/treatment, booster vaccination, and hygiene practice, to form an optimal control model. The control model is analyzed using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. The numerical simulation shows that diphtheria disease will reduce drastically in the community if any control combination involves booster vaccination since the diphtheria vaccine in infancy wanes after ten years. In a situation where there are limited resources to implement all the controls simultaneously, it is recommended to implement any two of the combined controls: disinfection of the environment and administration of booster vaccination or screening/treatment of the asymptomatic infected and administration of booster vaccination. The study shows that the best combination is to disinfect the environment, screen/treat the asymptomatic infected humans, and administer booster vaccination to the community.

Systematic Mapping of Research on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Decennial Scientometric Analysis.

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The high burden of VPDs in this region necessitates the need for continued investigation and intervention. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of research on VPDs in children in sub-Saharan Africa in the last 10 years to capture the current state of research in the field. This study used a systematic search for articles published between 2013 and 2022 in the Web of Science Core Collection database and, subsequently, scientometric techniques for data analyses and interpretation. Annual scientific production of publications on the research of VPDs in children in sub-Saharan Africa increased from 2013 to 2019 and then gradually declined. South Africa had the most VPD studies (n = 148; 16.2%), followed by Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, The Gambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, and the Republic of Congo. The Vaccine journal published the most. The Pan African Medical Journal was the most frequent destination journal based in Africa. The commonly studied pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Research productivity increased exponentially in the pre-COVID era and declined in the past two years, so more VPD research in this region is needed.

Determination the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Mothers (Caregiver) Towards Immunization of their Children in South Punjab Region of Pakistan

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of mothers (caregiver) towards immunization of their children. Methodology: This community based cross-sectional KAP study was conducted in 15 UCs of south Punjab. Multistage random sampling technique, lottery method and bottleneck method was used to select the tehsils, UCs and households for the study. Households with children between eighteen to twenty-four months of age and Mothers/Caregivers with age between twenty to fifty years were included in the study. The semi-structured questionnaire was used to calculate the knowledge and attitude score of the study participants. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 25. Results: Parents/caregivers had good knowledge (50.80%), moderate knowledge (42.40%) and poor knowledge (6.80%)regarding routine immunization. Also, parents/caregivers had a positive attitude (86.40%), neutral attitude (8.70%) and negative attitude (4.90%).The majority of children (67.40%) were fully immunized followed by partially immunized children (25.80%) and non-immunized children (6.80%). Conclusion: The study concluded that parents were well aware regarding immunization and its health-related outcomes and showed positive attitude towards immunization. Majority of the children were completely immunized for all the childhood vaccine preventable diseases and the ratio of non-immunized children was very low as compared to completely and partially immunized population have awareness regarding immunization. Keywords: Knowledge, attitude, practice, Southern Punjab, Pakistan, Developing Country

SARS-CoV-2 Immunity in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and Cell Therapy Recipients: What Do We Know, and What Remains to Be Determined?

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) results in profound immunosuppression for the first few months after the procedure, requiring patients to be revaccinated against childhood vaccine-preventable infectious diseases. Patients who undergo allo-HSCT are at high risk of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, with infectious complications responsible for at least one third of deaths. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory virus infections were known to be more severe in HSCT recipients. The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of HSCT recipients, who experience an increased risk of morbidity and mortality after COVID-19 compared with healthy populations due to their severe immunodeficiency status. However, the current pandemic has also provided an exceptional scenario to better understand the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 cases and mRNA vaccines in HSCT recipients, including those receiving CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. Researchers have focused on the role of the immune system in protecting against severe SARS-CoV-2 in patients with hematologic malignancies, including HSCT recipients. Insights gained during the pandemic will likely soon be used to improve preventive strategies in this population against viral infections in the near future. This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 immunity in HSCT and cell therapy recipients following SARS-CoV-2 cases or vaccination.

Safety of Rotavirus Vaccination in Preterm Infants Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Sicily, Italy: A Multicenter Observational Study.

Rotavirus (RV) is among the most common vaccine-preventable diseases in children under five years of age. Despite the severity of rotavirus pathology in early childhood, rotavirus vaccination for children admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), who are often born preterm and with various previous illnesses, is not performed. This multicenter, 3-year project aims to evaluate the safety of RV vaccine administration within the six main neonatal intensive care units of the Sicilian Region to preterm infants. Methods: Monovalent live attenuated anti-RV vaccination (RV1) was administered from April 2018 to December 2019 to preterm infants with gestational age ≥ 28 weeks. Vaccine administrations were performed in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings as a post-discharge follow-up (NICU setting) starting at 6 weeks of age according to the official immunization schedule. Any adverse events (expected, unexpected, and serious) were monitored from vaccine administration up to 14 days (first assessment) and 28 days (second assessment) after each of the two scheduled vaccine doses. Results: At the end of December 2019, 449 preterm infants were vaccinated with both doses of rotavirus vaccine within the six participating Sicilian NICUs. Mean gestational age in weeks was 33.1 (±3.8 SD) and the first dose of RV vaccine was administered at 55 days (±12.9 SD) on average. The mean weight at the first dose was 3388 (SD ± 903) grams. Only 0.6% and 0.2% of infants reported abdominal colic and fever above 38.5 °C in the 14 days after the first dose, respectively. Overall, 1.9% EAEs were observed at 14 days and 0.4% at 28 days after the first/second dose administration. Conclusions: Data obtained from this study confirm the safety of the monovalent rotavirus vaccine even in preterm infants with gestational age ≥ 28 weeks, presenting an opportunity to improve the vaccination offer both in Sicily and in Italy by protecting the most fragile infants who are more at risk of contracting severe rotavirus gastroenteritis and nosocomial RV infection.

Spatial distribution of complete basic childhood vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in Ethiopia. A spatial and multilevel analysis.

Complete childhood vaccination considerably aids in the reduction of morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable childhood diseases. Understanding the geographical disparity of complete basic childhood vaccination and Identifying associated factors is vital to designing appropriate interventions. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of complete basic childhood vaccination among children aged 12-23 months in Ethiopia. A two-stage stratified sampling technique was used based on the 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey data. A total weighted sample of 1,028 children was included in the analysis. ArcGIS version 10.8 software was used to visualize the spatial distribution of complete basic childhood vaccination. The Bernoulli-based model was used to detect significant clusters of areas using SaTScan version 9.6 software. To identify associated factors, multilevel logistic regression analyses were used, and all variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were reported as statistically significant predictors. Complete basic childhood vaccination among children aged 12-23 months had a significant variation in Ethiopia (Moran's I = 0.276, p<0.001). The spatial scan analysis identified the most likely significant primary clusters with low complete basic childhood vaccination coverage in the Somali region's Afder, Liben, Shabelle, and Nogobe zones; the Southern Nation Nationality and Peoples Region's (SNNPR) Gedeo and Sidama zones; and the Oromia region's Bale and Guji zones. The second significant cluster was found in the Afar region's zones 1, 4, and 5, as well as the northern Somali region's Siti zone. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, maternal age 20-24, 25-29, 35-39, and 40-44 years, delivery at a health facility, four or more antenatal care (ANC) visits, orthodox religion fellowship, maternal primary education, Muslim religion fellowship, living in the Afar, Somalia, and Oromia regions, and living in rural areas were all found to be significantly associated with complete basic childhood vaccination. A geographically significant variation of complete basic childhood vaccination was observed. Maternal age, maternal education, religion, place of delivery, ANC visit, region, and residence were significantly associated with complete basic childhood vaccination. Developing immunization campaigns targeting areas that had low basic vaccination coverage and designing healthcare programs that can motivate facility-based delivery and ANC follow-up is recommended.

Effects of meteorological factors on the incidence of varicella in Lu'an, Eastern China, 2015-2020.

Varicella (chickenpox) is a serious public health problem in China, with the most reported cases among childhood vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, and its reported incidence has increased over 20-fold since 2005. Few previous studies have explored the association of multiple meteorological factors with varicella and considered the potential confounding effects of air pollutants. It is the first study to investigate and analyze the effects of multiple meteorological factors on varicella incidence, controlling for the confounding effects of various air pollutants. Daily meteorological and air pollution data and varicella cases were collected from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020, in Lu'an, Eastern China. A combination of the quasi-Poisson generalized additive model (GAM) and distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to evaluate the meteorological factor-lag-varicella relationship, and the risk of varicella in extreme meteorological conditions. The maximum single-day lag effects of varicella were 1.288 (95%CI, 1.201-1.381, lag 16 day), 1.475 (95%CI, 1.152-1.889, lag 0 day), 1.307 (95%CI, 1.196-1.427, lag 16 day), 1.271 (95%CI, 0.981-1.647, lag 4 day), and 1.266 (95%CI, 1.162-1.378, lag 21 day), when mean temperature, diurnal temperature range (DTR), mean air pressure, wind speed, and sunshine hours were -5.8°C, 13.5°C, 1035.5 hPa, 6 m/s, and 0 h, respectively. At the maximum lag period, the overall effects of mean temperature and pressure on varicella showed W-shaped curves, peaked at 17.5°C (RR=2.085, 95%CI: 1.480-2.937) and 1035.5hPa (RR=5.481, 95%CI: 1.813-16.577), while DTR showed an M-shaped curve and peaked at 4.4°C (RR=6.131, 95%CI: 1.120-33.570). Sunshine hours were positively correlated with varicella cases at the lag of 0-8 days and 0-9 days when sunshine duration exceeded 10 h. Furthermore, the lag effects of extreme meteorological factors on varicella cases were statistically significant, except for the extremely high wind speed. We found that mean temperature, mean air pressure, DTR, and sunshine hours had significant nonlinear effects on varicella incidence, which may be important predictors of varicella early warning.

Preventable diseases: seminar focus on health complications of early marriage, respiratory distress and vaccinations

It is a known fact that preventable diseases are illnesses, or deaths that could be stopped from occurring. As a part of the ongoing Ph.D. program undertaken by the current and pioneer students in the Novena University, Ogume, different research topics were chosen by individual students which were presented as seminar being part of the requirement for the update of their research adventures. The topics were categorized under 3 different groups and one was preventable diseases such as complications of early marriage amongst women, respiratory distress among pregnant women/children and knowledge, attitude and practice of immunization against childhood vaccine preventable diseases among mothers. Complications of early marriage amongst women results in maternal mortality, vesico-vaginal fistula and psychological distress. Gas flaring being environmental pollution exposes women and children to respiratory diseases, hence culminating in maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, vaccine preventable diseases are major threats to the health and well-being of children under five years of age, contributing a great deal to childhood illnesses, disabilities, and high percentage of childhood mortality worldwide.

Reasons and suggestions for improving low immunization uptake among children living in low socioeconomic status communities in Northern Alberta, Canada – A qualitative study

ObjectiveUnder-immunization increases the risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases in children and the community. The targeted coverage rate for routine childhood immunization in Alberta, especially in disadvantaged communities in rural and remote geographic areas, has not been achieved for many years. This study was conducted to identify reasons for under-immunization in children in low socioeconomic status (SES) communities and propose suggestions to address issues/concerns identified by low SES parents for improving immunization coverage in their communities. MethodsFourteen semi-structured phone interviews of low SES parents with under-immunized children living in rural and remote geographic areas in Northern Alberta were conducted. Transcripts were analyzed to identify relevant themes. ResultsBusy lifestyles of many parents prevented them from taking their children to clinics for immunization, which were exacerbated by long distances to clinics, transportation issues, operating hours of clinics, and lack of reminders. Many disadvantaged parents also exhibited varying levels of vaccine hesitancy due to safety concerns, especially about newer vaccines, thereby causing some parents to delay immunizing their child intentionally. ConclusionImplementing procedures to alleviate access issues, such as offering extended operating hours, opening drop-in clinics/satellite clinics in distant areas, nurse visits to their homes, updating contact information of parents, frequent reminder options and addressing safety and effectiveness concerns about vaccines in plain language using evidence-based communication strategies can promote timely immunization among children of low SES parents.

Association between vaccine preventable diseases in children and improved sanitation following a nationwide sanitation campaign in India: an ecological analysis

ObjectivePersistent exposure to faecal pathogens due to open defecation may cause environmental enteropathy that, in turn, may lead to undernutrition and vaccine failure in under 5-year-old (u5) children. The Swachh...

Immunization for Children Living With HIV: A Scoping Review.

Immunosuppression secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in children living with HIV (CLHIV). Although vaccines are cost-effective interventions, their efficacy, immunogenicity, safety, and persistence of post-vaccination immunity in CLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is unclear. We aimed at identifying existing scientific evidence on immunization of CLHIV generated in the last 10 years to identify the need for a systematic review. Studies were identified using a broad search strategy applied in multiple databases. Included studies involved CLHIV aged 0-10 years and presented outcomes on safety, efficacy, effectiveness, immunogenicity, and use of booster vaccines. Nineteen publications were identified. There was variable immunogenicity to and efficacy of vaccines by HIV and ART status. All vaccines were safe. The heterogeneity of available studies makes it complex to do a systematic review and meta-analysis. A more uniform approach to sampling and follow-up in future studies would make comparison and interpretation of results more robust.

The impact of education on knowledge and perception about childhood vaccination among parents of under five children; interventional community based study

Immunization is unquestionably one of the most indispensable public health interventions to reduce major illnesses that lead to child mortality and morbidity. The extermination, elimination, and considerable minimization of childhood vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), as well as the extending of life expectancy in many countries, are an important output of immunization achievement. The aim of this study to determine the impact of education on knowledge, perception and practice about childhood vaccination among the parents of under five children. Through quantitative survey approach and pre-experimental design, the 50 samples were selected by purposive sampling method. Initially, personal information was obtained from mothers and then 20 Questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, Checklist was used to assess the practice of childhood vaccination and Five-point Rating scale was used to assess the attitude of childhood vaccination among parents. Education about childhood vaccination was given through video assisted teaching. The results of the study was in awareness the total mean score for pre-test was 4.18±1.71, whereas in post-test it was 18.56±0.76 with the mean difference of 14.38. It shows that parents had very good knowledge on childhood vaccination after Educational programme. In perception the overall mean score during pre-test was 1.36±0.69, and in post-test the overall mean score obtained by parents was 5.46±0.54, with the mean difference of 4.1 it reveals that the parents had highly favourable attitude after an educational programme. For practice the pre-test the mean score was 9.88±3.93, whereas in post-test it was 38.56±1.96, with the mean difference of 28.68. The calculated ‘t’ value for awareness, perception and practice scores were 7.05, 8.23 & 8.14 at 0.05 level respectively. There was no association between knowledge, perception and practice scores with selected demographic variables. Most of parents in KSA believed that vaccines can cause autism and disabilities. Moreover, some parents thought that polio immunization will decrease the fertility rate thus the parents attitude plays important role in vaccination process as they are the decision makers for their children.

Factors Associated with Uptake of Immunizations for Vaccine-Preventable Childhood Diseases in a Peri-Urban Settlement; A Case Study of Nansana Municipality, Uganda

Immunization uptake for childhood vaccine-preventable diseases remains low in urban areas of Uganda, leading to repeated outbreaks of diseases like measles, despite easy communication and accessibility to services. The objectives of this study were to establish immunization coverage and to identify the factors that affect the uptake of immunization among the children aged 10 – 23 months in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Assessment of immunization uptake was carried out on 344 parents/guardians of children aged 10–23 months, using simple random sampling on pre-tested structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software. Additionally, 2 focus group discussions with parents and key informant interviews with immunization focal persons were also conducted. Immunization coverage was found to be 90.4% for BCG, 89.3% for Penta1, 80.7% for Penta2, 72.5% for Penta3 and 73.9% for measles1. Availability of vaccines (AOR= 33, 95% CI, 1.44 – 792, p=0.03), accessibility to immunization services (AOR = 32, 95% CI, 2.0 – 513, p=0.01) and communication between the parents and health workers about the return dates (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI, 0.01 – 0.83, p=0.03), were the factors that were independently associated with immunization uptake. The coverage rates were higher than the national average, with the health care service-related factors identified as being critical for improving immunization uptake. There is a need for improved vaccine supply and communication about immunization services, which should be designed considering the local context in collaboration with slum-dwelling communities.

Full childhood immunization coverage and incidence of vaccine preventable disease in Nigeria: a regression analysis

Background: Childhood immunization contributes significantly in the reduction of cases of vaccine preventable diseases in children. DHIS2 data showed that only 60.59% of children under one were fully immunized in 2020. This implies that 39.41% did not receive all recommended vaccinations therefore at risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases. This study therefore examined the effect of full immunization coverage on incidence of vaccine preventable diseases.Methods: Full childhood immunization coverage and incidence of vaccine preventable disease was examined using simple linear regression model at 5% level of significance and 95% confidence interval. Measles new case for children under five was the dependent variable while children under one fully immunized was the independent variable. Data was retrieved from DHIS2 for the period 2017-2020.Results: The study showed a negative relationship between full immunization coverage and incidence of under-five measles new cases. The study found that any unit increase in full immunization coverage would lead to decrease in measles cases by 6%.Conclusions: Full immunization coverage is still low (below WHO target of 80%) despite effort by government and partners. This implies that a lot of children are at risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases. In order to avert this risk, health authorities and partners should devise appropriate means of educating the populace on the importance of childhood immunization.