Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Immunisation Programmes in Ibadan Metropolis, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic disrupted routine immunisation (RI) services. Reports from low- and middle-income countries remain inconsistent and under-represented.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on RI, assess the perspectives of caregivers on service provision and pandemic preparedness in a Nigerian city.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2020 and February 2021 among consecutive mother-child pairs attending four high-volume immunisation clinics: a public primary, a secondary, a tertiary, and a private healthcare facility. Vaccine uptake and caregivers’ experiences were determined, while multivariable logistic regression models were used to predict missed immunisations. 

Results: A total of 416 mother-child pairs were enrolled. Males were 223 (53.6%), while children aged 7-12 months were 59.6% (248/416). Uptake of Expanded Programme on Immunisation vaccines were as follows: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) - 98.8%, DPT3 - 95.9%, first dose of measles-containing vaccine - 93.4%, and meningococcal vaccine - 72.8%. RI appointments were missed by 9.6% of caregivers, and 43.0% reported RI clinic closure. Communication gaps observed were as follows: 67.3% of caregivers lacked service providers' contact details, and 87.7% did not have guidance on RI services. Accessing care at a private hospital was an independent predictor of missed RI schedule (AOR 6.2, 95% CI 2.2, 16.1, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Routine immunisation coverage remained high despite service disruptions and communication gaps. Future pandemic preparedness should prioritise emergency protocols, with particular attention to private healthcare facilities.