Quality of home-based vaccination records: The case of Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Objective:This study assessed the quality of vaccination cards in Tamale, Ghana. A cross-sectional study involving 1,398 pictures of vaccination cards taken during a cluster vaccination coverage survey in Tamale was used. Pictures that did not capture vaccination pages were excluded. We assessed the quality of pictures, the content and design of cards as well as quality of cards using criteria adapted from a previous study. Results:Over 80% of cards fulfilled the picture quality criteria or card content criteria while over 90% met the card design criteria. However, none of the cards met the standard HBR criteria or had space for recording notes, known allergies and adverse events of immunization. Over 90% of cards did not have any physical damage, marks/hole punches/ staples that obstructed reading responses or evidently visible corrections. However, the spaces provided for responses and completion of cards require modification in future card design.