Factors Influencing Vaccines Uptake among Children With and Without Developmental Disabilities

Vaccination is a vital preventive method that has proven its worth worldwide in significantly reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. Since 1924 vaccines have been used to prevent over 100 million cases caused by eight vaccine preventable diseases. Therefore, vaccines are a major force for child survival. The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) implemented in many countries Cameroon inclusive has led to the reduction of the morbidity and mortality for children below five years.

However, vaccination uptake and coverage rates are still low in Africa. Lower vaccination rates have been reported for children with disabilities as well as among normally developing children. Many parents have rejected vaccination due to worries about vaccines safety, myths and misconceptions as well as political, cultural and religious reasons among others. Autism was once believed to have an association with childhood vaccination. Health care professionals especially nurses have a major role to play in educating parents to ensure that all children are vaccinated according to schedule including those with disabilities. Studies have demonstrated a positive impact of health education on parents’ knowledge, practices and attitudes regarding vaccination attendance. Thus, constantly educating parents especially during child well visits and massive sensitisation campaigns within communities could augment the attendance rates for childhood vaccination. This could go a long way to reduce exposure to vaccine preventable diseases and hence, reduce morbidity and mortality rates.