Completeness and Timeliness of the Vaccination Schedule Against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Among Children Aged 12–23 Months in the Kalonda-Ouest Health Zone, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Abstract

The resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases represents a significant public health challenge. Consequently, the reinforcement of systematic vaccination remains imperative to ensure comprehensive and efficacious immunization among pediatric populations. This study seeks to analyze the completeness and promptness of the vaccination schedule, alongside the factors associated with incomplete immunization among children aged 12 to 23 months within the Kalonda-Ouest health zone. A descriptive and analytical study was conducted involving 198 mothers or caregivers of children aged 12 to 23 months, utilizing a survey methodology supported by interviews conducted during vaccination sessions. Results reveal that multiple factors contribute to both incomplete immunization and vaccination delays; these include insufficient knowledge regarding the vaccination schedule, low educational attainment, low socioeconomic status, the absence of vaccination cards, deleterious perceptions of vaccination, and frequent stockouts of vaccines and supplies within the Programme Elargi de Vaccination (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 65.7 % of mothers demonstrated insufficient knowledge of the vaccination schedule, 68.7 % failed to adhere to vaccination appointments, and 62.1 % were unaware of vaccine-preventable diseases. Such deficiencies compromise vaccination coverage and facilitate the resurgence of epidemics. The deficit in maternal knowledge constitutes the primary factor underlying both incomplete immunization and a lack of promptness in vaccination. It is, therefore, essential to strengthen health education and awareness strategies in order to enhance vaccination coverage and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases in children.