Correlates of Uptake of Routine Immunization amongst Under-Five Children: Comparison of Nomadic and Non-nomadic Fulani in Yobe State, Nigeria.

Background: Immunization is an important public health intervention that reduces morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). This study aimed to determine and compare the correlates of routine immunization uptake among under-five children of nomadic and non-nomadic Fulani in Yobe State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A multistage sampling technique was used to study the eligible caregivers and under-five children in the selected households using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, observation for the child immunization card, or a recall of immunization history. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 22.0 with a statistical significance set at p≤5%.

Results: The response rate among nomadic and non-nomadic Fulani was (348/348, 100% vs. 345/348, 99%).The Penta 1 uptake based on routine immunization cards among nomadic and non-nomadic under-five children was (23.6% vs.76.4% P<0.001).Availability of the vaccine (adjusted odds ratio = 22, 95% confidence interval = 13.7-35.5), the purpose of vaccination (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-3.4), vaccines safety (adjusted odds ratio = 17.3, 95% confidence interval = 10.0-29.8), and friendly healthcare workers (adjusted odds ratio = 18.8, 95% confidence interval = 11.3-31.3) were found to be independent predictors facilitating uptake of routine immunization among nomadic and non-nomadic under-five children, while long distance to the health facility (adjusted odds ratio = 9.6, 95% confidence interval = 6.6-14.0), lack of knowledge on immunization (adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-2.9), fear of side effect (adjusted odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-2.5), were independent barriers to uptake of routine immunization among nomad and non-nomadic under-five children.

Conclusion: Vaccine uptake is still a problem among nomads and non-nomadic under-five children. The government and relevant stakeholders should ensure a strategy for improved outreach services to all the nomads and hard-to-reach settlements.