Achieving immunization milestones: Insights from Oman's national coverage survey

The studies primary objective was to determine the actual immunization coverage by validating routine immunization data and conducting a community-level survey at the sub-national level for different age groups in Oman. A cross-sectional community survey to assess vaccination coverage in Oman was done using the WHO cluster sampling method on children under five eligible for various vaccines, including BCG, HBV, OPV, PCV, Penta, Hexa, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis A. The survey was conducted between 20th February 2023 and 19th March 2023. Face-to-face interviews using a pretested electronic questionnaire gathered the information. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for categorical data analysis were performed. Vaccination outcomes were classified as fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated, with 95% confidence intervals reported. The crude national vaccination coverage was nearly 100% in Oman. The fully vaccinated coverage ranged from 87% to 99%. Only one child (0.01%) was unvaccinated, and 1.3% of children were partially vaccinated. Children in Muscat and Dhofar had lower odds of being fully vaccinated compared to other governorates and Omani children were significantly more likely to be fully vaccinated compared to non-Omani children. There was a difference in the crude coverage and valid coverage indicating there is a delay in vaccination (>30 days from the scheduled date) as the age progresses. The national immunization coverage fully complied with the administrative coverage. The high vaccination coverage indicates universal acceptance of vaccination program in Oman. Delayed vaccination due to acute illness around the due date of vaccination was a significant observation that needs attention.