Three in four children age 12–23 months missed opportunities for vaccination in Sub-Saharan African countries: a multilevel mixed effect analysis of demographic health and surveys 2016–2023

Abstract

The overall pooled prevalence of missed opportunities for vaccination in Sub-Saharan remains high. Children's age, maternal age, marital status, education, antenatal care visit, health insurance utilization, sex of household head, religion, place of delivery, residence, media exposure, distance to reach health facility, community wealth status, community educational status, and human development index of the countries were significantly associated with MOV. Policymakers have to encourage technology to promote multimedia exposure to increase community awareness about vaccination, encourage engagement of male partner, and religious leaders in child health. Additionally, potential stakeholders should give great emphasis for accessibility of education and health service for rural and remote areas, and poor segments of population through fostering community health workers and outreach programs, and financial support to increase vaccine coverage by averting missed opportunities for vaccinations. Qualitative research is recommended to explore the facilitators and barriers of missed opportunities for vaccinations among children.