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

Abstract

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.