Abstract:
adverse events following
immunization (AEFIs) are thought to contribute to
cases of vaccine hesitancy, yet little data exists
describing the state of reporting and management
of AEFIs. This study investigated the occurrence and
influence of AEFIs on vaccine hesitancy in an
informal settlement of Nairobi. Methods: this was
a prospective mixed-methods study involving 7
focus group discussions, 8 key informant interviews
and 457 face-to-face interviews with caregivers.
Caregivers were recruited at/or before the 6 week
clinic visit and assessed for occurrence of AEFIs in
their children at the subsequent 10- and 14-week
visits and a follow-up two weeks following the 14
weeks visit via phone calls. Results: in this study,
12.3% (56/457) of the infants experienced an AEFI.
Of these, 19 did not report for the next scheduled
vaccine. Fever was the most common AEFI, for
which most caregivers (66.7%) used Paracetamol as
antipyretic, while 20.8% sought help from a nearby
health facility. Three of the 56 AEFIs (convulsions)
that occurred in study participants could be
classified as severe reactions. Diphtheria, pertussis
and tetanus (DPT 3) completion rate was 75.3%.
Most (96.4%) caregivers considered immunization
an important strategy for child survival. Vaccine hesitancy occurred among 3.6% of participants,
30% of whom attributed their hesitancy to
occurrence of AEFIs. The review of health records
revealed that no AEFI had been reported from any
of the study facilities. Conclusion: cases of adverse
events following immunization are not reported in
Mathare Valley and they do have implications for
vaccine hesitancy by some caregivers.