Missed Opportunity for Vaccination among Children Under-five years of age: A Cross- Sectional Study at Mwananyamala Regional Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
TMJ Original research
Abstract
Background
Immunization is among the most important public health interventions against common
childhood diseases. However, a missed opportunity for vaccination (MOV), may hamper the
progress made in reducing childhood illness through vaccination. Knowing the magnitude
and contributing factors for MOV, is essential for planning and executing preventive
measures; however, these factors are not well elucidated in the Tanzania context.
Broad Objective
To determine the magnitude and factors for MOV among children under five-years old
admitted at Mwananyamala hospital.
Methodology
We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional descriptive study among children under-five
year old who were admitted at Mwananyamala hospital and their respective care givers from
October to November 2018. An interview-guided questionnaire was used to collect data from
the caregivers. The childhood immunization history was obtained from the immunization
cards. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20).
Results
A total of 209 caretakers and their respective children were enrolled in the study. Thirty-eight
(18.2%) had MOV, and among the missed vaccines, the second dose of measles and
rubella was the most missed vaccine (45.5%). Identified factors for MOV were unavailability
of the vaccine on the day of vaccination 12 (31.3%), the child being sick on the day of
vaccination 10(26.3%), due date forgotten 8 (20.8%), not informed on when to return for
vaccination 7(18.1%), and no money for transport to vaccination center 1 (2.7%).
Conclusion and recommendation
The magnitude of missed opportunity for vaccination is still high among hospital admitted
children. Vaccine procurement and distribution as well as improved communication among
caretakers and health personnel should be more strengthened to reduce the number of
children who are missing vaccines.
Description
Keywords
Missed opportunity for vaccination, Children, Dar es Salaam
Citation
Hamad, Fatma & Kalabamu, Florence. (2021). TMJ Original research Published by OJS OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL TMJ Hamad et al. TMJ V 32 No. 2. April 2021 126 Missed Opportunity for Vaccination among Children Under-five years of age: A Cross- Sectional Study at Mwananyamala Regional Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania TMJ OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL TMJ Hamad et al. TMJ V 32 No. 2. April 2021 127. 10.4314/tmj.v32i2.420.g270.