Childhood Immunisation in the Kintampo Sub District: Coverage, Barriers and Immunological Status

Abstract

Under-five mortality in developing countries is a major problem. Vaccine preventable disease like measles, tuberculosis, pertusis and tetanus account for a significant proportion. Ghana has therefore set herself the aim of achieving herd immunity for these diseases. The District Health Manager Teams have been provided with resources to enable this noble aim to be achieved and the Kintampo District is no exception. This study assesses the immunisation coverage of the Kintampo subdistrict of the Kintampo district of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana, the reasons for failure to complete immunisations and seroepidemiological survey for the measles vaccine. The WHO 30 Cluster method was used to select 217 children between 12 and 23 months old living in the sub-district. Their immunisation cards were inspected after parental consent had been given and the dates for the various antigens recorded. The mothers of those with no cards were asked about their children’s immunisation status and these were also recorded. Blood samples were taken from 102 children after random sampling. The sera was separated and the samples analysed for measles IgG antibodies using an Elisa kit at the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research. It was found in the study that 62.67% of the children completed their immunization schedule before their first birthday. The majority of the children (73.27%) were fully immunised before they ware 24 months and 26.27% were partially immunised. The sero-conversion rate for the measles antigen was 90.2%, which gives an idea about the quality of immunisation of the sub-district. It was recommended that the WHO 30 Cluster method should be used to conduct immunisation coverage at frequent intervals. The immunological status of children should be carried out to ascertain the level sero-conversion. Health education should be intensified for mothers to understand the need and importance of having their children fully immunised.