An Examination of the Impact of COVID-19 on Routine Immunization Coverage in Kogi State
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Background of the Study
Routine immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing infectious diseases in children (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Immunization programs protect against diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and polio, significantly reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services globally, leading to a decline in routine immunization coverage (Gavi, 2023). Lockdowns, fear of infection, and the reallocation of health resources to pandemic response efforts affected routine immunization services, especially in low-resource settings like Kogi State.
Kogi State, located in north-central Nigeria, has historically faced challenges with immunization coverage due to vaccine hesitancy, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and logistical issues (Okonkwo et al., 2023). The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, as restrictions on movement, misinformation, and economic difficulties further discouraged parents from accessing immunization services for their children. Studies indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant drop in immunization rates across Nigeria, leading to an increased risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (Olalekan & Adeyemi, 2024).
This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization coverage in Kogi State. By assessing immunization trends before, during, and after the pandemic, the study will identify key factors responsible for declines in coverage and propose strategies for improving vaccination uptake in post-pandemic settings.
Statement of the Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in healthcare services, including routine immunization programs. In Kogi State, anecdotal evidence suggests that immunization rates declined due to lockdown restrictions, fear of contracting the virus at health centers, and misinformation about vaccines (Gavi, 2023). However, there is limited empirical data quantifying the extent of this decline and the long-term implications for child health in the state.
The impact of reduced immunization coverage can be severe, leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles and polio. Without timely interventions, the decline in immunization rates could reverse decades of progress in child health in Kogi State (WHO, 2024). Therefore, this study seeks to assess the extent to which COVID-19 affected routine immunization in Kogi State, identify challenges faced by caregivers and healthcare providers, and recommend policy measures to restore and improve immunization services.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the impact of COVID-19 on routine immunization coverage in Kogi State.
- To identify key challenges faced by caregivers and healthcare providers in accessing immunization services during the pandemic.
- To propose strategies for improving routine immunization coverage in the post-pandemic period.
Research Questions
- How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect routine immunization coverage in Kogi State?
- What were the major challenges faced by caregivers and healthcare providers in ensuring immunization during the pandemic?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve routine immunization coverage in the post-pandemic period?
Research Hypotheses
- The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on routine immunization coverage in Kogi State.
- Fear of COVID-19 infection and lockdown restrictions significantly reduced caregivers’ willingness to immunize their children.
- Socioeconomic and logistical challenges significantly contributed to the decline in immunization rates during the pandemic.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on Kogi State, assessing routine immunization trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data will be collected from caregivers, healthcare providers, and immunization program coordinators. Limitations include possible recall bias in self-reported data and difficulties in obtaining official immunization records due to disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Definitions of Terms
- Routine Immunization: The administration of vaccines as part of a regular healthcare schedule to prevent infectious diseases in children (WHO, 2024).
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The global outbreak of the coronavirus disease that affected healthcare services worldwide (Gavi, 2023).
- Vaccine Hesitancy: Reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines (Olalekan & Adeyemi, 2024).
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