Assessment of the factors associated with the performance of the National Immunization Days during Covid-19 Vaccines introduction in Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Although Cameroon has been declared free of wild polio virus since 2020 by the Africa Regional Certification Commission (ARCC), in order to sustain the polio response and to continue achieving the goals of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the National Response Plan conducted the National Polio Immunization Days. The aim of these immunization activities was to enhance polio immunization in vulnerable populations, with the goal of increasing immunization coverage to at least 95% in children 0-59 months. Methods: A vaccination campaign was carried out from 7-9 May 2021 throughout the country with strategies; door to door, fixed and temporary fixed points, priority transit points and markets. Results: The target population was 6,042,816 children aged 0-59 months. Of these, 5,262,468 (87%) were vaccinated; 936,764 (75%) aged 0-11 months. Factors associated to missed vaccination were: refusal (Center: OR = 1.026; p=0.001, East: OR = 1.10; p = 0.002, Littoral: OR = 1.033; p = 0.04), Refugee status (South-west: OR = 1.022; p <0.0001, Extreme-North: OR = 1.022; p = 0.012), the nomadic status (Extreme-North: OR = 1.059; p = 0.007; West region: OR = 1.069, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Increasing vaccination campaigns is potent to eradicate polio virus; however, the target population must fully adhere for optimal results.