COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travellers at Lomé International airport (Togo), in 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic management leads to new health policies including the requirement of a vaccination pass or a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR)test for cross-border flights. The objective of this study was to estimate COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travelers, as well as factors associated with a full vaccination. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in July 2022 at the Gnassingbé Eyadema International Airport (LFW) in Lomé. Travellers met at LFW, aged 12 years or above, and who agreed to participate in the study have been submitted a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with full vaccination defined as having received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine according to a validated vaccine schedule. Results: A total of847travellerswere included. 67% were menThe median age was 40 years, Interquartile Range [31-48]. The main health document presented by travellers was the vaccination pass(69.1%). The majority (84.4%) of travellershad received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 63.9% had received at least two doses. Being 40 years of age or above(aOR=1.42;p=0.046), and travellingfrom a country outside Africa (aOR=2.18, p=0.003), were positively associated with full vaccination. Conclusion: Vaccination coverage among travellers at the LFWwas relatively high. Travellersfrom a region outside Africa and aged40 years or above were more likely to be full vaccinated. Better communication and strengthening of the vaccination strategiesin Africa could help reduce these gaps.