Barriers To Uptake of Childhood Routine Immunization In Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

Routine immunization coverage in the developing world is as low as 60% compared to the developed world where it way above 80%. This has caused deaths among children and even left others with permanent disability. This A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Mukurweni and Tetu Sub counties, Nyeri County, Kenya to determine factors influencing routine immunization coverage among children. The study revealed that there was a moderate coverage in Mukurweini and high coverage in Tetu Division. The higher number of immunized children in both divisions was in the age bracket of 1 – 4 months (88.7%) and reducing to 0.05% during 12 months of children’s age. This indicates that fewer children appeared for immunizations as they advance in age. The reasons cited by mothers /caretaker for low uptake of immunization included: fear of side effects associated with vaccines such as fever, fear that immunization would cause impotence in their children, religious beliefs and lack of money to go to health facilities. Negative attitude of some health workers was cited in both divisions as an operational factor impeding routine immunization. From the above results, it can be said most of these barriers are socio cultural rather than health system obstacles. Community education and advocacy aimed at creating awareness and the vital role of childhood immunization would be key to improving coverage.