DOI: njcpt.com.ng/101.1.2.13
Corresponding Author: DAYOM D. Wetkos, GYANG Z. Abigail, OKUNLOLA C. Rotkangmwa, and KATAGUM Y. Mohammed
Corresponding Author: Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Email: dayomd123@yahoo.com
Abstract
Background: Immunisation remains the most effective public health intervention to reduce morbidity and
mortality associated with infectious diseases. Nigeria is among the ten countries in the world with the lowest
immunisation coverage giving room for the resurgence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) in children.
Objective: The study assessed the immunisation status and occurrence of childhood Vaccine-Preventable
Diseases in the Kwandare community of Lafia LGA, of Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Methods: The study was a community-based cross-sectional study involving 240 mothers with children aged 12-
60 months (under-five children). A simple random sampling of households was enumerated to get eligible
households for the study. Data were collected from eligible households using structured questionnaires designed
to elicit relevant information such as socio-demographics, immunisation history and occurrence of VaccinePreventable Diseases. Descriptive analyses, including frequencies and proportions and inferential statistics using
Pearson's Chi-square and Multivariate logistic regression, were carried out using SPSS version 20.
Results: The study revealed a total immunisation rate of 82(34%) prevalence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
was 31(13%), with measles being the most prevalent vaccine-preventable disease. The low uptake of the measles
vaccine by only 152(63.3%) children was significantly (P<0.024) associated with the prevalence of measles in
the community of study.
Conclusion: The study revealed a low (34%) full immunisation rate, which is insufficient to provide herd
immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases in the community and a 13% prevalence of VPDs, with measles
being the most prevalent. A relationship exists between immunisation status and the occurrence of measles in the
community.
Key Words: Immunisation status, Vaccine, Childhood diseases, under-five, Nigeri
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