Vaccination is crucial in reducing child mortality and the prevalence of vaccine-preventable-diseases, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya, though non-vaccination, under-vaccination, and missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) pose significant challenges to these efforts. Researchers from KEMRI Wellcome Trust and Maseno University conducted a study to analyze the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors on non-vaccination, under-vaccination, and MOV among children aged 0–23 months in Kenya from 2003 to 2014.
Factors associated with vaccination status varied across the timespan of the study. In 2003, the likelihood of non-vaccination decreased with higher maternal education levels: mothers who did not complete primary education, completed primary education, and had secondary education or higher exhibited decreasing probabilities. In 2008–09, divorced, separated, or widowed mothers and those with no religion showed lower odds of non-vaccination, while lower wealth quintiles were associated with higher odds. In 2014, non-vaccination was higher among younger mothers aged 15–19 years, in North Eastern Province, in families with more than five children, and in children born at home. Similar patterns were observed for under-vaccination and MOV.
The findings from this study can inform strategies for bridging the gaps in immunization coverage and promoting equitable vaccination practices in Kenya.
Any organization or individual working in the field of immunization economics can submit findings, opportunities, calls to action, or other relevant work below to be shared with our community.