COVID-19 pandemic impact on primary immunization uptake

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global decline in routine pediatric appointments.
• Maintaining childhood immunization is crucial to prevent outbreaks of serious diseases.
• This study addresses the impact of the pandemic on primary immunization activities in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary immunization activities in Saudi Arabia.
• To identify factors influencing missed vaccinations among preschool-age children during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted at a community pediatric clinic.
• Parents of preschool-age children completed self-administered questionnaires on immunization uptake.
• Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Prior to the pandemic, 90.6% of children were up-to-date with vaccinations.
• During the pandemic, 26.6% of children missed vaccinations.
• Common reasons for missed vaccinations included transportation difficulties, curfew, and fear of COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of children missed immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.
• Perceptions of immunization necessity and family COVID-19 status influenced missed vaccinations.
• Transportation challenges and fear of infection were key barriers to childhood immunization during the pandemic.