Reducing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccine uptake in Nigeria

By May 30th, 2022, there were 526,182,662 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 6,286,057 deaths globally; of which Nigeria had recorded 256,028 confirmed cases and 3,143 deaths. By the same time, Nigeria had received a total of 93.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, enough to vaccinate 25% of the population however, only 27.4 million people (13.3% of the population) had received at least one dose of the vaccine. This article examines available evidence on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria and makes recommendations for improving its uptake. Major causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy identified in Nigeria were concerns around vaccine efficacy and safety, disbelief in the existence and severity of the disease, and distrust of the government. To reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine coverage in Nigeria, a mapping of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy across geographies and demographics, increased stakeholder communication, and effective community engagement are needed.

A rapid increase in coverage of COVID-19 vaccination, Central African Republic

Problem In 2021, Central African Republic was facing multiple challenges in vaccinating its population against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including inadequate infrastructure and funding, a shortage of health workers and vaccine hesitancy among the population. Approach To increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage, the health ministry used three main approaches: (i) task shifting to train and equip existing community health workers (CHWs) to deliver COVID-19 vaccination; (ii) evidence gathering to understand people's reluctance to be vaccinated; and (iii) bundling of COVID-19 vaccination with the polio vaccination programme. Local setting Central African Republic is a fragile country with almost two thirds of its population in need of humanitarian assistance. Despite conducting two major COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, by January 2022 only 9% (503 000 people) of the 5 570 659 general population were fully vaccinated. Relevant changes In the 6 months from February to July 2022, Central African Republic tripled its coverage of COVID-19 vaccination to 29% (1 615 492 out of 5 570 659 people) by August 2022. The integrated polio­COVID-19 campaign enabled an additional 136 040 and 218 978 people to be vaccinated in the first and second rounds respectively, at no extra cost. Evidence obtained through surveys and focus group discussions enabled the health ministry to develop communication strategies to dispel vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions. Lessons learnt Task shifting COVID-19 vaccination to CHWs can be an efficient solution for rapid scaling-up of vaccination campaigns. Building trust with the community is also important for addressing complex health issues such as vaccine hesitancy. Collaborative efforts are necessary to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines for high-risk and vulnerable populations.

Exploring a community's understanding of HIV vaccine-induced seropositivity in a South African research setting

Background. The high HIV prevalence and incidence in South Africa makes it suitable for recruitment of participants for large-scale HIV preventive vaccine trials. However, fear of vaccine-induced seropositivity (VISP) may be a barrier for community acceptability of the trial, for volunteers to participate in HIV preventive vaccine trials and for uptake of an efficacious vaccine. Prior to 2015, when the first phase 1 safety HIV vaccine trial was undertaken at Setshaba Research Centre, Soshanguve, the local community stakeholders and healthcare workers were naive about HIV vaccine research and HIV preventive vaccines. Objective. To explore knowledge and perceptions regarding VISP among community stakeholders and healthcare workers in peri-urban Soshanguve, Tshwane.Methods. Using a quantitative-qualitative mixed-methods study design, surveys (n=50) and in-depth interviews (n=18) were conducted during July - August 2015. Participants included community stakeholders, community advisory board members and healthcare workers, who were >18 years old and had attended community educational workshops during September 2014 - May 2015. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using content thematic analysis. Data were further analysed by sex, age and educational level.Results. Of a maximum score of 2 on knowledge on VISP, the 50 survey participants (mean age 33.78 years; 45 females) obtained an average of 0.88 (44%). Of 17 in-depth interviewees (one interview could not be transcribed; mean age 30.9 years; 12 females), 8 (47%) displayed some knowledge about VISP, of whom only 5 defined VISP correctly. Women were more knowledgeable about VISP than men; 5 of 12 women (42%) came close to defining VISP correctly, while none of the 5 men did so. The main fear of trial participation expressed by most participants (n=6) was testing HIV-positive as a result of the vaccine. While some participants believed that the community's perceptions of VISP would negatively affect HIV vaccine trial support and recruitment efforts, others noted that if trial participants understand the concept of VISP and are part of support groups, then they would have the information to combat negative attitudes within their community. Conclusion. Most participants had an inaccurate and incomplete understanding of VISP. Many feared testing HIV-positive at clinics; therefore, education on improving a basic understanding of how vaccines work and why VISP occurs is essential. In addition, assessing participant understanding of HIV testing, transmission and VISP is critical for recruitment of participants into HIV vaccine trials and may improve acceptability of an HIV preventive vaccine

Childhood immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic: experiences in Haiti, Lesotho, Liberia and Malawi

Objective: To examine changes in vaccination of children younger than 1 year during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March 2020-August 2021) in Haiti, Lesotho, Liberia and Malawi. Methods: We used data from health management information systems on vaccination of children aged 12 months or younger in districts supported by Partners In Health. We used data from January 2016 to February 2020 and a linear model with negative binomial distribution to estimate the expected immunization counts for March 2020-August 2021 with 95% prediction intervals, assuming no pandemic. We compared these expected levels with observed values and estimated the immunization deficits or excesses during the pandemic months. Findings: Baseline vaccination counts varied substantially by country, with Lesotho having the lowest count and Haiti the highest. We observed declines in vaccination administration early in the COVID-19 pandemic in Haiti, Lesotho and Liberia. Continued declines largely corresponded to high rates of COVID-19 infection and discrete stock-outs. By August 2021, vaccination levels had returned to close to or above expected levels in Haiti, Liberia and Lesotho; in Malawi levels remained below expected. Conclusion: Patterns of childhood immunization coverage varied by country over the course of the pandemic, with significantly lower than expected vaccination levels seen in one country during subsequent COVID-19 waves. Governments and health-care stakeholders should monitor vaccine coverage closely and consider interventions, such as community outreach, to avoid or combat the disruptions in childhood vaccination.

Awareness and Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures among OralHealth Care Workers in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Some studies have been conducted worldwide onthe preparedness of dentists and even dental students for infectionprevention and control with regard to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemicbut very few studies have been done among other Oral Health CareWorkers (OHCWs). The purpose of this study was to assess theknowledge and practices of dental health care workers in Nigeria oninfection prevention and control with regards to COVID-19.METHODS: This was a descriptive study on the knowledge andpractices regarding infection control protocols and procedures withregard to the COVID-19 pandemic among dental personnel in Nigeria.A validated self-administered questionnaire was utilised for datacollection. Bivariate analysis was done with a Chi-squared test todetermine the association between the participants age, gender,profession and place of practice with knowledge and practicesregarding COVID 19 infection. Statistical significance in associationswas inferred at P-value < 0.05.RESULTS: The majority of the OHCWs (77.4%) had good knowledgeabout infection prevention and control, and regulations regardingCOVID-19, but most of them (58.5%) displayed poor practices withregard to infection prevention and control regulations related toCOVID-19. Male respondents (68.8%), those aged between 55­64(83.3%) years and Dental therapists (71.4%) had a higher proportionof those with good practices with the male gender and profession(Dental Therapist) being significantly associated with good practices.(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Our study identified a high rate of knowledge butlow compliance with infection prevention and control guidelinesregarding COVID-19. Better compliance with recommended infectioncontrol and waste management practices for all OHCWs and continuingeducation programs promoting infection control awareness are vitalto improving the practices of these OHCWs

Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et évolutifs du tétanos au CHR de Maradi au Niger

Introduction : Le tétanos est caractérisé par un tableau clinique fait des spasmes musculaires sévères faisant suite à des blessures. La bactérie en cause, Clostridium tétani, a été découverte en 1884 et mise en culture pour la première fois en 1889. C'est une maladie totalement évitable et d'ailleurs quasiment éliminée des pays développés grâce à la vaccination généralisée et à une rigoureuse prophylaxie post-exposition, toutes deux parfaitement codifiées. Objectif : Cette étude rétrospective avait pour but de décrire les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et évolutifs du tétanos au CHR de Maradi au Niger. Matériel et méthodes : Les dossiers de malades hospitalisés au service des maladies contagieuses du CHR de janvier 2011 à aout 2018 ont été évalués. Résultats : Nous avions colligé 49 cas de tétanos sur un total de 2930 malades hospitalisés dans le service soit un taux de prévalence de 1,67 %; 32,65 % des patients étaient âgés de 0 à 15 ans. La porte d'entrée tégumentaire a été la plus fréquemment retrouvée (vingt huit cas). D'autres portes d'entrée ont été notées : fracture ouverte (5 cas), injection intramusculaire (1 cas), ombilicale (2 cas), brulure corporelle (2cas). 57,14% des malades étaient au stade II de la classification de Mollaret. On a enregistré 19 décès sous traitement, soit un taux de létalité de 38,78 %. Le stade clinique des patients à l'admission a été associé au décès avec une P = 0,0030.Conclusion: La sensibilisation des populations, le renforcement du programme élargi de vaccination et l'amélioration de la prise en charge des malades devraient permettre de réduire encore davantage la mortalité liée au tétanos

Comparing static and outreach immunization strategies and associated factors in Uganda, Nov-Dec 2016

Introduction: the government of Uganda aims at reducing childhood morbidity through provision of immunization services. We compared the proportion of children 12-33 months reached using either static or outreach immunization strategies and factors affecting utilization of routine vaccination services in order to inform policy updates.Methods: we adopted the 2015 vaccination coverage cluster survey technique. The sample selection was based on a stratified three-stage sample design. Using the Fleiss formula, a sample of 50 enumeration areas was sufficient to generate immunization coverages at each region. A total of 200 enumeration areas were selected for the survey. Thirty households were selected per enumeration area. Epi-Info software was used to calculate weighted coverage estimates.Results: among the 2231 vaccinated children aged 12-23 months who participated in the survey, 68.1% received immunization services from a health unit and 10.6% from outreaches. The factors that affected utilization of routine vaccination services were; accessibility, where 78.2% resided within 5km from a health facility. 29.7% missed vaccination due to lack of vaccines at the health facility. Other reasons were lack of supplies at 39.2% and because the caretaker had other things to do, 26.4%. The survey showed 1.8% (40/2271) respondents had not vaccinated their children. Among these, 70% said they had not vaccinated their child because they were busy doing other things and 27.5% had not done so because of lack of motivation.Conclusion: almost 7 in 10 children aged 12-23 months access vaccination at health facilities. There is evidence of parental apathy as well as misconceptions about vaccination

Integrating immunization services into nutrition sites to improve immunization status of internally displaced persons' children living in Bentiu protection of civilian site, South Sudan

Introduction: the protracted war in South Sudan has led to severe humanitarian crisis with high level of malnutrition and disruption of the health systems with continuous displacement of the population and low immunization coverage predisposing the population to vaccine preventable diseases. The study aimed at evaluating the effect of integrating immunization services with already established nutrition services on immunization coverage in resource-constrained humanitarian response.Methods: a community and health facility based interventional study involving integration of immunization into nutrition services in two Outpatient Therapeutic Program(OTP)centers in Bentiu PoC between January-December 2017. The main hypothesis was that inclusion of immunization services during nutrition services both at the OTP and community outreaches be an effective strategy for reducing missed opportunity for immunizing all eligible children accessing nutrition services. Data analyzed using STATA version 15 and bivariate analysis using logistic regression was conducted to identify predictor of missed vaccinations.Results: integration of immunization into the nutrition services through the OTP centres increased the number of children immunized with various antigens and the dropout rate was much lower and statistically significant among children who received immunization at the OTP centers than those in the Primary Health Care Centers (PHC Centers) in the study sites. Children who were vaccinated at the OTP centre in sector 2 were 45% less likely to miss vaccination than those vaccinated at the PHCC (OR: 0.45; 95%CI:0.36- 0.55), p<0.05 while those vaccinated at the OTP sector in sector 5 were 27% less likely to miss vaccination than those vaccinated at the PHCC (OR: 0.27; 95%CI: 0.20 -0.35) p<0.05).Conclusion: this study indicated that immunization coverage improved effectively with integration with nutrition services as a model of an integrated immunization programme for child health in line with the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) and the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIV)

A post-conflict vaccination campaign, Central African Republic

Objective : To rapidly increase childhood immunization through a preventive, multi-antigen, vaccination campaign in Mambéré-Kadéï prefecture, Central African Republic, where a conflict from 2012 to 2015 reduced vaccination coverage. Methods:The three-round campaign took place between December 2015 and June 2016 using: (i) oral poliomyelitis vaccine (OPV); (ii) combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) and hepatitis B (DTP­Hib­hepatitis B) vaccine; (iii) pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV); (iv) measles vaccine; and (v) yellow fever vaccine. Administrative data were collected on vaccines administered by age group and vaccination coverage surveys were carried out before and after the campaign.Findings:Overall, 294 054 vaccine doses were administered. Vaccination coverage for children aged 6 weeks to 59 months increased to over 85% for the first doses of OPV, DTP­Hib­hepatitis B vaccine and PCV and, in children aged 9 weeks to 59 months, to over 70% for the first measles vaccine dose. In children aged 6 weeks to 23 months, coverage of the second doses of OPV, DTP­Hib­hepatitis B vaccine and PCV was over 58% and coverage of the third doses of OPV and DTP­Hib­hepatitis B vaccine was over 20%. Moreover, 61% (5804/9589) of children aged 12 to 23 months had received two PCV doses and 90% (25933/28764) aged 24 to 59 months had received one dose.Conclusion:A preventive, multi-antigen, vaccination campaign was effective in rapidly increasing immunization coverage in a post-conflict setting. To sustain high coverage, routine immunization must be reinforced

Déterminants et raisons de non vaccination complète des enfants hospitalisés dans deux hôpitaux de référence pédiatrique à Yaoundé

Introduction. Dans un contexte où les taux de couverture vaccinale sont faibles, les hospitalisations sont une occasion pour s'assurer de la vaccination des enfants. L'étude avait pour but de préciser les déterminants et raisons de non vaccination complète des enfants hospitalisés dans deux hôpitaux à Yaoundé. Méthodologie. Notre étude transversale a porté sur les enfants admis dans deux hôpitaux de référence de Yaoundé. Les connaissances des mères sur la vaccination ont été analysées, de même que le motif d'hospitalisation. La recherche des contacts antérieurs des enfants avec les formations sanitaires (FOSA) permettait d'explorer d'éventuelles occasions manquées de vaccination. Les facteurs associés et les raisons de la vaccination incomplète étaient également décrits. Résultats. Nous avons colligé les informations sur 205 sujets parmi lesquels 75,1% âgés de moins de 3 ans. Les principaux motifs d'hospitalisation étaient le paludisme (49,3%) et la pneumonie (14,1%). La plupart des parents connaissaient la vaccination (86,3%) ainsi que son rôle (92,1%) avec pour principale source d'information le personnel de santé (68,4%). La complétude vaccinale globale était de 40%, soit 65,9% et 50,3% pour les vaccins de routine (PEV) et hors PEV respectivement. Cette complétude n'était pas retrouvée chez 60% des patients bien que 90% aient fréquenté une FOSA. Les occasions manquées de vaccination s'élevaient à 65,7% et 61,8% pour le PEV et les vaccins hors PEV respectivement. Les raisons de non vaccination étaient dominées par l'ignorance (65,9%) et les ruptures en stock de vaccin (21,1%). Cependant, le niveau d'étude secondaire (p=0,020), la présence d'une pneumonie (p=0,020) et le fait d'être premier enfant influençaient négativement la vaccination (p=0,008). Conclusion. La complétude vaccinale était insuffisante malgré de bonnes connaissances des parents sur l'importance de la vaccination. Il est important d'agir sur les occasions manquées, surtout chez les ainés et les enfants des mères d'un faible niveau d'étude

Mass media awareness campaign and the prevention of the spread of Lassa fever in the rural communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria: Impact evaluation

This paper investigates the impact of media campaign on the prevention and spread of Lassa fever in Ebonyi state. 354 respondents were randomly selected from six rural communities in the state as study sample, while structured questionnaires were used for collecting data. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data. Results of analysis reveal that the media campaign has rural reach but has little or no impact. The results also reveal that the campaign failed to create appropriate awareness of the disease, its preventive/curative health behaviors. It further reveals that there are no health behavior modifications among the people because of the campaign. Therefore, this paper recommends the modification of media contents to incorporate the required preventive/curative health behaviors. Secondly, mandatory mass media awareness campaign and jingles in every news hour is recommend

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and hospitalization of children for pneumonia: a time-series analysis, South Africa, 2006­2014

Objective To assess the impact of immunization with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on all-cause pneumonia hospitalizations among children in Soweto, South Africa. Methods We used data collected at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto between 2006 and 2014 ­ i.e. before and after April 2009, when a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was first included in South Africa's routine immunization programme. Using a Bayesian generalized seasonal autoregressive moving-average model and the data collected in 2006­2008, we estimated the numbers of children that would have been hospitalized for pneumonia between 2010 and 2014 if no pneumococcal conjugate vaccines had been used. These estimates were then compared with the corresponding numbers of hospitalizations observed. Findings Between 2006 and 2014, 26 778 children younger than five years ­ including 3388 known to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ­ were admitted to the study hospital for pneumonia. We estimated that, for the children known to be infected with HIV and for the other children, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines reduced the numbers of hospitalizations for pneumonia in 2014 by 33% (50% credible interval, CrI: 6 to 52) and 39% (50% CrI: 24 to 50), respectively. In the study hospital in 2012­2014, as a result of immunizations with these vaccines, there were an estimated 3100 fewer pneumonia hospitalizations of children younger than five years. Conclusion. In our study hospital, following the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines into the national immunization programme, there were significant reductions in pneumonia hospitalizations among children

Factors and misperceptions of routine childhood immunization service uptake in Ethiopia: findings from a nationwide qualitative study

Introduction: while the routine childhood immunization program might be affected by several factors, its identification using qualitative evidence of caretakers is generally minimal. This article explores the various factors and misperceptions of routine childhood immunization service uptake in Ethiopia and provides possible recommendations to mitigate them.Methods: in this study, we used a qualitative multiple case study design collecting primary data from 63 focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with a purposefully selected sample of children's caretakers (n = 630).Results: according to the results of this study, the use of routine childhood immunization is dependent on four major factors: caretakers' behavior, family characteristics, information and communication and immunization service system. In addition, the participants had some misperceptions about routine childhood immunization. For example, immunization should be taken when the child gets sick and a single dose vaccine is enough for a child. These factors and misperceptions are complex and sometimes context-specific and vary between categories of caretakers.Conclusion: our interpretations suggest that no single factor affects immunization service uptake alone in a unique way. Rather, it is the synergy among the factors that has a collective influence on the childhood immunization system. Therefore, intervention efforts should target these multiple factors simultaneously. Importantly, this study recommends improving the quality of existing childhood immunization services and building awareness among caretakers as crucial components

L'intégration communautaire dans les journées nationales de vaccination au poliovirus : cas de Dschang

Introduction : L'épidémie de poliomyélite déclenchée en fin 2013 à l'Ouest Cameroun avait conduit à plusieurs Journées Nationales de Vaccination de Riposte (JNVr). Le district de Dschang avec ses 22 aires de santé est l'un des plus vastes de l'Ouest Cameroun. Durant les campagnes de vaccination de riposte au poliovirus, les chefs des aires utilisent différentes approches pour d'optimiser la couverture vaccinale. L'objectif principal de l'étude était d'analyser la participation communautaire dans les activités de vaccination supplémentaire, lors de la riposte contre l'épidémie de poliomyélite au Cameroun.Matériel et méthode : Une étude transversale descriptive à été menée en août 2014 dans les aires de santé de Baleveng ; Mbeng ; Fialah-Foreke ; Ndoh-Djutitsa et Fondonera, du district de santé de Dschang. Le statut vaccinal de 136 enfants de 0 à 59 mois a été étudié et 60 parents interviewés dans les ménages. La méthode des enquêtes "Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS)" a été utilisée. Le marquage de l'auriculaire gauche de l'enfant avec l'encre noire par les vaccinateurs indiquait l'état vaccinal de l'enfant. Résultats : Il ressort que, seules les aires de Mbeng et Fometa avaient des couvertures vaccinales satisfaisantes(respectivement 100% et 95%), alors que Baleveng (80%) ; Fondonera (88,8%) ; Ndoh-Djutitsa (81%) et Fialah-Foréké (88,9%) avaient des couvertures intermédiaires. Les canaux de communication les plus accessible étaient, les mobilisateurs et centres de santé ; les médias et les crieurs. Les canaux les plus sollicités par les parents étaient : les mobilisateurs (20%) ; les affiches (16,7%) et le téléphone (15%). Les aires de santé de Mbeng et Ndoh enregistrent les taux les plus élevés de parents informés (respectivement 9/10 et 8/10). Discussion : Un vaccinateur pour 185 enfants, suite à l'injection des fonds communautaires, permet d'obtenir des couvertures vaccinales > 90%. Des parents informés bien avant le passage des vaccinateurs pourrait conduire à des couvertures vaccinales satisfaisantes. Nous recommandons plus de ressources communautaires et mobilisation sociale dans la mise œuvre des activités vaccinales supplémentaires de riposte à la poliomyélite

Routine Immunization in the WHO African Region: Progress; Challenges and Way Forward

Tremendous progress has been made in expanding immunization in the African Region over the last four decades. And immunization; together with other primary health care and development interventions; has impacted significantly on the annual number of deaths among children under five. However; an estimated 22 (4.3 million) of the infants globally remaining unimmunized are located in four countries of the African Region (Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ethiopia; Nigeria and South Africa). Challenges remain in reaching an estimated 20-30 of children across the Region. In addition to the traditional vaccines (DTP; measles; polio and tuberculosis) newer ones; such as for PCV and rotavirus; are being rolled out in the Region but uptake and coverage is slow and patchy both within and between countries. The new regional strategic plan for immunization 2014-2020 is intended to provide policy and programmatic guidance to Member States; in line with the 2011- 2020 GVAP; in order to optimize immunization services and assist countries to further strengthen their immunization programmes

Physical and Psychological Factors Influencing Maternal Non-Compliance with Immunization Schedule

"The study examined the physical and psychological variables influencing maternal non-compliance with immunization schedules of children 0-2 years. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. A questionnaire tagged ""Maternal Non-compliance with Immunization Schedule Questionnaire (MNCWISQ) was used for data collection. Three hypotheses were tested; using pearson product moment correlation. The study established that there was a significant relationship between physical factors (location of immunization services/access to immunization centres/distance to immunization centres) and non-compliance with immunization schedule (r- .47; df = 298; p.05). Psychological factor (mothers' knowledge about immunization) was also found to be significantly associated with non compliance with immunization schedule (r"

Review of tetanus admissions to a rural Ugandan hospital

Tetanus; which can be eliminated through an effective immunization programme; remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Uganda with a high case fatality rate. This study was carried out in St Francis Hospital Buluba (SFHB) after observing that the hospital was registering an abnormally high number of tetanus patients. Its aim was to retrospectively establish the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients and determine the case-fatality rate among tetanus patients admitted between 2005- 2008. Records of all patients registered and treated for tetanus up to the time of death or discharge on the Medical and Pediatric wards were evaluated. Case notes of 71 patients were retrieved and analyzed for clinical characteristics. During the three-year period under study; 163 patients (0.65of all admissions) were managed for tetanus. Analysis was done for only 154 (94.5) patients because records of the others lacked basic data. The majority of the patients (67) were males and most were young (81were below 13 years of age). Forty two percent (42) came from areas outside Mayuge district. The registered case-fatality rate was 47; with mortality being highest in the extremes of age. This paper recommends scaling up and sustaining immunization service to the whole population. Presentation of an immunization certificate should be made compulsory for all children joining school at all levels. Finally; programmes that help the population to access booster doses later in life should also be implemented

An economic evaluation of the controlled temperature chain approach for vaccine logistics: evidence from a study conducted during a meningitis A vaccine campaign in Togo

Introduction: a recent innovation in support of the final segment of the immunization supply chain is licensing certain vaccines for use in a controlled temperature chain (CTC), which allows excursions into ambient temperatures up to 40°C for a specific number of days immediately prior to administration. However, limited evidence exists on CTC economics to inform investments for labeling other eligible vaccines for CTC use. Using data collected during a MenAfriVac™ campaign in Togo, we estimated economic costs for vaccine logistics when using the CTC approach compared to full cold chain logistics (CCL) approach.Methods: we conducted the study in Togo's Central Region, where two districts were using the CTC approach and two relied on a fullCCL approach during the MenAfriVac™ campaign. Data to estimate vaccine logistics costs were obtained from primary data collected using costing questionnaires and from financial cost data from campaign microplans. Costs are presented in 2014 US dollars.Results: average logistics costs per dose were estimated at $0.026±0.032 for facilities using a CTC and $0.029±0.054 for facilities using the fullCCL approach, but the two estimates were not statistically different. However, if the facilities without refrigerators had not used a CTC but had received daily deliveries of vaccines, the average cost per dose would have increased to $0.063 (range $0.007 to $0.33), with larger logistics cost increases occurring for facilities that were far from the district.Conclusion: using the CTC approach can reduce logistics costs for remote facilities without cold chain infrastructure, which is where CTC is designed to reduce logistical challenges of vaccine distribution

Adult tetanus at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: An analysis of 42 cases

Background: Adult tetanus is still common in Nigeria as in other developing countries where immunization programmes are poor. Recently; fee for service was introduced in tertiary medical institutions. Type of Study: Retrospective. Aim: To define the characteristics of cases of tetanus in adults admitted to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) from 1991 to 1995. Methods: Patients with features of tetanus were identified from ward records and the Medical Records Department. The case note were examined and analysed. The management was carried out in the general medical wards and consisted of anti-tetanus serum (ATS); crystalline penicillin; dextrose infusion; diazepam and metho carbarmol provided for by patients. Results: There were 42 patients: 26 males and 16 females. The ages ranged from 15 to 60 years (mean 29 years). The immunization history was poor. The commonest portal of entry was the lower limb (47.6). The predominant social groups were students and fishermen. There was delay in the treatment of some of the patients as a result of which 25 cases had complications such as tachycardia; pneumonia and hypertension. Nine patients had multiple complications. Twenty-one patients died on admission. Eighteen deaths occurred within the first week of admission. Conclusion: The high mortality may reflect treatment delays and lack of intensive care unit facilities. Adequate campaign for anti-tetanus immunization should be embarked upon especially for the high risk students and fishermen