Publication:

Vaccination coverage among children aged 1–59 months admitted to four health facilities in Brazzaville

Background Immunization is an effective intervention for preventing morbidity and complications associated with infectious diseases in children. Objectives were to contribute to improving vaccination coverage among children aged 1-59 months admitted to hospitals in Brazzaville.

Methods A cross-sectional study on childhood vaccination coverage was conducted between January and October 2021 in four health facilities in Brazzaville. Children aged 1-59 months who were hospitalized and whose parents provided consent were included. Study variables included sociodemographic characteristics, parental knowledge of immunization, and children’s vaccination status. Statistical tests used were chi-square and odds ratio with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results A total of 217 children were included, 53% of whom were boys (sex ratio=1.1). Children older than 2 years accounted for 36.4% (n=79). The rate of vaccination card ownership was 48.4% (n=105). Among these, 75.2% (n=79) were up to date with their vaccines up to the age of 9 months. The dropout rate between BCG and measles vaccine (VAR) was 53.3%, and the lowest coverage was observed for measles and yellow fever vaccines at 46.7% (n=49). Gender, maternal education level, and mothers’ knowledge of target diseases significantly influenced vaccination coverage (p<0.05).

Conclusions Improving the low vaccination coverage among children aged 1-59 months requires revitalizing the expanded program on immunization (EPI).