Routine immunization coverage in Nigeria is suboptimal. In the northwestern state of Sokoto, an independent population-based survey for 2016 found immunization coverage with the third dose of Pentavalent vaccine to be 3%, whereas administrative coverage in 2016 was reported to be 69%. One possibility driving this large discrepancy is that administrative coverage is calculated using an under-estimated target population. Official population projections from the 2006 Census are based on state-specific standard population growth rates. Immunization target population estimates from other sources have not been independently validated. We conducted a micro-census in Magarya ward, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto state to obtain an accurate count of the total population living in the ward, and to compare these results with other sources of denominator data. We developed a precise micro-plan using satellite imagery, and used the navigation tool EpiSample v1 in the field to guide teams to each building, without duplications or omissions. The particular characteristics of the selected ward underscore the importance of using standardized shape files to draw precise boundaries for enumeration micro-plans. While the use of this methodology did not resolve the discrepancy between independent and administrative vaccination coverage rates, a simplified application can better define the target population for routine immunization services and estimate the number of children still unprotected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Background: Childhood immunization contributes significantly in the reduction of cases of vaccine preventable diseases in children. DHIS2 data showed that only 60.59% of children under one were fully immunized in 2020. This implies that 39.41% did not receive all recommended vaccinations therefore at risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases. This study therefore examined the effect of full immunization coverage on incidence of vaccine preventable diseases.Methods: Full childhood immunization coverage and incidence of vaccine preventable disease was examined using simple linear regression model at 5% level of significance and 95% confidence interval. Measles new case for children under five was the dependent variable while children under one fully immunized was the independent variable. Data was retrieved from DHIS2 for the period 2017-2020.Results: The study showed a negative relationship between full immunization coverage and incidence of under-five measles new cases. The study found that any unit increase in full immunization coverage would lead to decrease in measles cases by 6%.Conclusions: Full immunization coverage is still low (below WHO target of 80%) despite effort by government and partners. This implies that a lot of children are at risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases. In order to avert this risk, health authorities and partners should devise appropriate means of educating the populace on the importance of childhood immunization.
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