Trends and patterns of under-5 vaccination in Nigeria, 1990 – 2008: What manner of progress?

Boniface A. Ushie, University of Ibadan
Olufunke Fayehun, University of Ibadan
Dave Ugal, University of Ibadan

Despite efforts towards reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest rates of vaccine-preventable diseases including tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. These Efforts include regular rounds of immunization days and routine exercises. Limited studies have used the National Demographic and Health (NDH) survey data, conducted periodically, to examine the trends in vaccination coverage for the assessment of successes or failures of the immunization process. Data for this study were the four NDH Surveys between 1990 and 2008 which sought child health information including the proportion who have had any or all basic childhood vaccines. Most recent survey (2008) reported more complete vaccination apart from 1990 which was said to be inaccurate. In all surveys, children from mothers with higher education, who were delivered in hospitals, lived in urban areas, and whose mothers work outside the home had significantly higher proportions of completed basic vaccination.