COVERAGE RATES OF ROUTINE VACCINATIONS AND THE POTENTIAL REASONS OF LOW COVERAGE FOR LIBYAN CHILDREN IN 2017: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

الملخص

Background: Vaccinations are still important weapon in modern
prevention programs. Limited studies were conducted to assess the
childhood vaccination program in Libya. The study aimed to document
the coverage rates of routine vaccinations and factors associated with
low coverage rate in north-western region of Libya.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was prospectively carried out to
calculate the coverage rates of routine vaccinations for children aged
from the birth to 18 months in Libya. The data were collected from
vaccination cards of children who were seeking the vaccine at four
public vaccination centers in big three cities located in north-western
region of Libya. The data collected during the period from 11 Dec 2017
to 17 Mar 2018 from the vaccination centers. The centers were visited in
44 times for data collection using a questionnaire during the business
days.
Results: The study checked the vaccination cards of 916 children during
the routine vaccination visit at the vaccination centers. Coverage rates of
most vaccinations were high (more than 90%). The low coverage rates
were found in rotavirus vaccine in second and third doses, 81.3% and
72.2% respectively as well as penta vaccine had a low coverage rate
(69.4%). The timeliness of vaccination appointments was irregular in
64.2%. The major reasons of vaccination appointment delay were busy,
no vaccine available and careless

Conclusion: National childhood vaccination program is still in good
performance. The regular supply of the vaccines and strengthen the
parent's awareness for vaccination importance should be taken in the
consideration to keep the program in good quality of service for high
level of the immunity against vaccine preventable diseases.