An assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on routine immunization in Benue State
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Background of the Study
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to health systems worldwide, significantly disrupting routine immunization programs. In Benue State, the pandemic led to the reallocation of healthcare resources, implementation of lockdown measures, and widespread fear of contagion, all of which negatively impacted the continuity of vaccination services (Ibrahim, 2024; Adeyemi, 2023). Routine immunization, a critical component in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, experienced interruptions that have had both immediate and long-term public health consequences.
During the peak of the pandemic, many health facilities in Benue State temporarily suspended routine immunization services to prioritize COVID-19 response efforts. Additionally, movement restrictions and public apprehension about visiting healthcare centers further reduced immunization uptake. These disruptions resulted in missed vaccination opportunities, leading to an increase in the population of under-immunized children. Health authorities have expressed concerns that such interruptions could trigger outbreaks of diseases like measles and polio, compounding the public health crisis (Chukwu, 2024).
Moreover, the pandemic has highlighted systemic weaknesses in the healthcare delivery system, such as inadequate preparedness for simultaneous health emergencies and insufficient communication strategies to reassure the public about the safety of routine health services. Studies conducted in similar contexts indicate that catch-up immunization campaigns are essential to mitigate the long-term effects of such disruptions. However, the extent to which Benue State has managed to recover from these setbacks remains unclear, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on routine immunization services.
This study aims to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization coverage in Benue State, identifying key factors that contributed to service disruptions and evaluating recovery efforts. By analyzing immunization records before, during, and after the pandemic, along with qualitative data from healthcare providers and community members, the research seeks to provide actionable insights to inform future policy and improve resilience in immunization programs (Ogunleye, 2025).
Statement of the Problem(
In Benue State, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted routine immunization services, leading to a decline in vaccine coverage and an increase in the number of under-immunized children. The diversion of healthcare resources, coupled with lockdown measures and widespread public fear, resulted in significant missed opportunities for routine vaccinations. This disruption poses a critical threat to public health, as the interruption of immunization programs can lead to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, further straining an already burdened health system(Lawal, 2023).
Moreover, the impact of the pandemic on routine immunization is compounded by pre-existing challenges such as limited healthcare infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and logistical difficulties in vaccine distribution. The lack of timely catch-up immunization campaigns has left many children at risk, and the long-term consequences of these service gaps remain uncertain. The persistent fear of COVID-19, along with misinformation regarding the safety of healthcare facilities during the pandemic, has further reduced caregiver willingness to seek routine immunization services.
The absence of a robust monitoring systemduring the pandemic has made it difficult to assess the full extent of immunization service disruption in Benue State. Without accurate data, policymakers are challenged to design effective interventions to recover lost ground and prevent future interruptions. This study aims to address these critical issues by evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on routine immunization, identifying the factors that contributed to service disruption, and proposing strategies to strengthen the resilience of immunization programs against future pandemics.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the extent of disruption in routine immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Benue State.
- To identify key factors that contributed to the decline in immunization coverage.
- To propose strategies for restoring and strengthening routine immunization programs post-pandemic.
Research Questions
- How significantly did COVID-19 disrupt routine immunization services in Benue State?
- What factors contributed most to the decline in vaccine coverage during the pandemic?
- What recovery strategies can effectively restore routine immunization coverage?
Research Hypotheses
- The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly associated with reduced routine immunization coverage.
- Lockdown measures and resource diversion were key contributors to immunization service disruption.
- Implementing targeted catch-up campaigns will significantly improve post-pandemic immunization rates.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on health facilities in both urban and rural areas of Benue State. Data will be collected from immunization records, interviews with healthcare providers, and community surveys. Limitations include potential recall bias and incomplete data from the pandemic period.
Definitions of Terms
- Routine Immunization: Regular vaccination services provided to children as per national schedules.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus that began in 2019.
- Catch-up Campaigns: Targeted interventions designed to vaccinate children who missed routine immunizations.
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