1Assistant Professor, Community Medicine Department/College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University
2MBChB, Ministry of Health
*The Corresponding author: Ihab Raqeeb Akef, MBChB, the Ministry of Health, Iraq, Baghdad, e-mail: dr.ihabakef@gmail.com
Online published on 7 December, 2018.
Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions aiming at reducing infectious diseases morbidity and mortality. The national immunization coverage rates are still below the target levels. Missed opportunities for immunization (MOI) are considered as one of the most preventable factors affecting vaccination coverage. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of missed opportunities for immunization among young children attending primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Baghdad/Al-Karkh and determine factors associated with them.
This is a cross-sectional survey involved a health facility exit interview of companions of children up to 2 years of age. The study conducted in randomly selected primary health care centers in Baghdad/AlKarkh.
Of the eligible children under two years of age exited the primary health care centers, 36.4% had missed opportunities. The highest single vaccine missed opportunities was for measles vaccine followed by BCG vaccine. Child's age and sex, the purpose of visit to the facility, companion's education and occupation, and possession of the vaccination card at the visit day were found to be significantly associated with MOI.
Our findings indicate a presence of a coverage gap in vaccination.
Immunization, Missed opportunities for immunization
