Chidiebube Ugwu*, Emmanuel Okoazu, Onyinyechi Okam, Tobechukwu Ezike, Gideon Ugbeyo Noah, Ezera Emetu and Uyonne Ugwuoke
Vaccination is an essential health service that is needed across all age groups. Children, however, form the population that most needs and are mostly considered in national vaccination programs. Despite the incalculable benefit of vaccination, inequities exist in its implementation. Immunization inequity causes negative healthcare outcomes for both individuals and whole populations. Childhood vaccinations are one of the earliest portals of health care. Inequalities in childhood vaccination programs lead to inequities in vaccine uptake in adulthood. Policies have been spearheaded by the federal government to bridge the gaps in vaccination rates nationally. Two such strongly supported policies are the Immunization Information Systems (IIS) and child care vaccination laws. This report examines these policies in light of the available supporting evidence. The evidence shows that the implantation of these policies varies across different states with attendant effects on vaccination rates. The shortfall of policy implementation was laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal policy, with robust support, predicts higher vaccination rates. The immunization infrastructure modernization act aims to strengthen IIS, ensuring equitable upgrades.
Published Date: 2024-02-28; Received Date: 2024-01-06
