Post-COVID-19 pandemic immunization coverage in Algerian children: A cross-sectional study

Despite significant advancements in worldwide vaccination, the coronavirus 2019 pandemic has disrupted primary care and vaccination programs. This study aimed to assess parents' attitudes toward compulsory childhood vaccination and the determinants of vaccination acceptance in Algeria based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Using the snowball and convenience sampling methods, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to December 15, 2022, among parents with at least 1 child eligible for compulsory vaccination. Data were collected using an online questionnaire with 3 sections: parents' sociodemographic characteristics, children's characteristics, and a questionnaire based on the HBM. A total of 391 parents responded to the survey. Among the respondents, 90% believed that compulsory childhood vaccines could effectively protect against infectious diseases and 87.5% reported a scarcity of information available on vaccines. The logistic regression model showed that easy access to healthcare facilities significantly increased vaccine uptake by 98% compared to difficult accessibility (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.02; 95%CI = 0.001-0.12; P < .001). Parents who said no and maybe [i.e., when asked if their children can spread illness to others when not vaccinated] showed significantly lower vaccine uptake by 25.49 (AOR = 25.49; 95%CI = 1.95-470.29; P = .019) and 12.16 (AOR = 12.16; 95%CI = 1.65-111.62; P = .018), respectively when compared to those who answered yes. Parents who reported that vaccines may weaken natural immunity had significantly higher odds of vaccination uptake by 92% than those who answered yes (AOR = 0.08; 95%CI = 0.01-1.26; P = .033). Identifying factors that influence vaccine acceptance can offer policymakers valuable insights for designing strategic intervention programs aimed at increasing acceptance rates.