Childhood immunization

During the child health social audit in 2011, CIET field workers gathered information on childhood immunization. Across the two states, childhood immunization rates were quite low. The study found that only about 12% of children were fully immunized in Bauchi. Immunization rates were comparatively higher in Cross River state, where a little less than half (43%) of all children were fully immunized.

The rates for measles vaccination, which serves as an indicator of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), were low as well. We found that across Bauchi state 41% of children were vaccinated against measles. In Cross River state findings were encouraging – 81% of children had received the measles vaccine.

A fieldworker interviews a mother about her children’s health, Bauchi, 2011

In Bauchi state, a child was more likely to be fully vaccinated if the mother thought the vaccine worthwhile, the mother knew about vaccination, the father had more education, the child had a birth certificate or if the community had a working village health committee.

In Cross River state, a child was more likely to be fully vaccinated if the child had a birth certificate or if children were taken to a health facility within the community for immunization.

Focus group discussions on childhood immunization

Community groups expressed concerns about the side effects of vaccinations and many complained about unavailability of vaccines at health facilities. They also protested having to pay for vaccines, wasting time at health facilities or lack of easy access to health facilities.

The quotes below come from focus group discussions on childhood immunization in Bauchi and Cross River state.

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