Childhood Immunization in Bungoma County, Kenya from 2008 to 2011: The Need for Improved Uptake

Grace W. Mbuthia, Moi University
Anthony Harries, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris
Andrew Obala, Moi University
Henry Nyamogomba, Moi University
Chris Simiyu, Moi University
Mary Edginton, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris
Mohammed Khogali, Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium
Bethany Hedt-Gauthier, Harvard University
Barasa Otsyula, Moi University

Uptake of immunizations in children aged 1-2 years in Bungoma County, Kenya, was determined as part of six-monthly Health and Demographic Surveillance System surveys. There were 2699 children assessed between 2008 and 2011. During this time period, full immunization significantly declined from 84% to 58%, and measles vaccine uptake particularly declined from 89% to 60% (p<0.001). In each year, there was a significant fall-off for the third doses of oral polio and pentavalent vaccines (p<0.001). The findings are of concern and indicate the need for understanding the reasons for a decline coupled with intensified programmatic action to rectify the situation.