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Strengthening immunization systems and creating supportive policies are critical for doctors to provide timely, effective care for timely scheduled vaccinations, avert vaccine-preventable diseases in children and improve overall public health.
A new study published in the “Vaccines” journal, led by Pierre Muhoza and colleagues, highlighted momentous strides in improving the timeliness of childhood vaccinations in Ghana. The study emphasized the importance of a well-supported vaccination workforce, community engagement, and strategic policies to ensure that the children receive vaccines on schedule.
Since the Ghana Health Service (GHS) updated its immunization policies in 2016 to include catch-up vaccinations, the country has seen improvements in the timely delivery of childhood vaccines, particularly during the crucial second year of life. The 18-month visit provides an important opportunity for healthcare workers to deliver the second dose of the measles-rubella vaccine (MR2) and catch up on missed doses, if any.
The study assessed vaccination data from over 1,300 children in the age group of 24 to 35 months across three regions—Greater Accra, Northern, and Volta—comparing the vaccination timelines from the year 2016 to 2020. As per the results, more children received their vaccinations on time, with only some delays in receiving critical doses like the MR2. Caregiver awareness of the second year of life visits and timely administration of infant vaccines were identified as key factors driving these improvements.
Vaccines (Basel)
Timeliness of Childhood Vaccinations Following Strengthening of the Second Year of Life (2YL) Immunization Platform and Introduction of Catch-Up Vaccination Policy in Ghana
Pierre Muhoza et al.
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