Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Vaccination Compliance among Children Attending Assiut University Children's Hospital

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.

2 Public Health and Community Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.

10.21608/jcmrp.2024.267609.1006

Abstract

Abstract:
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected global health services such as vaccinations. Even briefly, the disruption of immunization services will increase the number of susceptible individuals, raising the risks of an upsurge in outbreak-prone vaccine-preventable diseases.
 Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric vaccination compliance among children attending Assiut University Children's Hospital.
Patient and Methods: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric vaccination compliance among children attending Assiut University Children's Hospital and to assess the general health profile of the studied children. The study included 116 children up to 2 years of age, with a duration of 1 year (from 5/2021 to 6/2022). All children were subjected to a full clinical history at the time of vaccination, and information regarding immunization and practices was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: Over one-third were aged 6 to 12 months; nearly three-quarters were rural residents, and half were from middle-class families. Neonatal health problems were reported among more than one-third of the newborns.
Only five children had COVID-19 infection, and more than two-thirds of caregivers agreed to vaccinate their child during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion:  Our results showed no significant relation between COVID-19 infection and incomplete vaccination; however, neonatal problems were associated with a higher vaccination rate.
 

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