Coverage of the expanded program on immunization in Vietnam: Results from 2 cluster surveys and routine reports

Abstract

. By comparing both cluster survey studies with each other, as well as with routinely collected data, we aim to improve future evaluation of the vaccination coverage in Vietnam and deduce recommendations for the immunization program. According to both methods, the national targets were reached for most of the vaccines: over 90% of children are fully immunized by 1 y of age, 80% Tetanus Toxoid 2 Plus (TT2C) coverage is reached for pregnant women, and 90% TT2C for childbearing aged women. The cluster surveys identified higher coverage rates compared to the routinely reported data in some provinces regarding the percentage of fully immunized children by the age of 1 year, and confirmed a low coverage rate for hepatitis B birth dose vaccination in all surveyed sites. Conclusion: Both methods of coverage assessment suggest that national targets are reached, for most but not all vaccines and not in all regions. Managing stock pile issues, addressing safety issues and tailoring policy for remote areas, are important elements to maintain and further improve these coverage figures.

Prevalence and predictors of taking tetanus toxoid vaccine in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study of 8,722 women in Sierra Leone

“…For instance, we found that women aged 29-35 years old were associated with increased chances of receiving adequate doses of TT immunization compared to those aged 15-19 years. Similarly, evidence from Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Turkey support our findings and have reported that women with advancing age were more likely to receive TT protective dose immunization than their counterpart [20,[30][31][32]. A possible reason for this could be that women with advanced age are more matured and might have had past exposure to knowledge about immunization and its benefits for themselves and their children.…”

Digital immunization registry: evidence for the impact of mHealth on enhancing the immunization system and improving immunization coverage for children under one year old in Vietnam

“…The full immunization coverage rates for the three birth cohorts in this study are higher than the 75% rate found in a 2009 study in Ben Tre (3). Results of our evaluation provide evidence of the significant impact of ImmReg on improving immunization coverage.…”

“…Table 1 shows the national immunization schedule for Vietnam from 2010 to 2017 for children under one year old. For better monitoring of the timeliness of EPI vaccination, a registration and reporting system is needed that can efficiently manage the due dates for vaccination of children and report the most accurate figure of full immunization coverage (3).…”

Media representation of vaccine side effects and its impact on utilization of vaccination services in Vietnam

“…24 After implementation of EPI, Vietnam has achieved many vaccine-related milestones, such as becoming polio-free in 2000 and eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2005. 25 , 26 A recent estimate by the World Health Organization indicated that 96% of the population is covered by the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine; and that 99% of the population received the first measles vaccine, with 95% of the population receiving the second dose. 27 However, these successes have been threatened by the media’s reporting of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs), 19 which refers to “any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccines”.…”