Peer-reviewed article
Full immunization status by 12 months of age and associated factors among children born in 2020–2021 in four southern provinces of Vietnam: A cross-sectional survey
Quang Duy Pham, Nguyen Thuy Ly, Sasha Mital, Lindsay Kim, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thuy et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This cross-sectional survey looked at how many children born in 2020–2021 in four southern provinces of Vietnam had received all recommended vaccines by 12 months of age. Of 960 children, 54.0% were fully immunized, which is lower than administrative estimates. Coverage was 62.8% for children born in 2020 and 45.8% for those born in 2021. Lower odds of full immunization were linked to caregivers with less than high school education, delays in at least one vaccination, and being a third or later child. The authors suggest catch-up vaccination, fewer service disruptions, and better access for larger families and less-educated caregivers.
Key points
- 54.0% of 960 children were fully immunized by 12 months of age.
- Coverage was 62.8% among children born in 2020 and 45.8% among those born in 2021.
- Caregiver education below high school was linked to lower odds of full immunization (AOR 0.60; 95% CI 0.41–0.88).
- A delay in at least one vaccination was linked to lower odds (AOR 0.43; 95% CI 0.31–0.60).
- Birth order of third or higher was linked to lower odds (AOR 0.60; 95% CI 0.41–0.90).
Limitations
As a cross-sectional survey in four southern provinces, it shows associations only and cannot show causes or represent all of Vietnam. The abstract does not explain the reasons for the drop in coverage or for the differences between the administrative estimates and the survey.
Abstract
Background Ensuring high immunization coverage is essential to preventing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). In Vietnam, routine childhood vaccination coverage has fluctuated due to administrative changes and COVID-19 related service disruptions, increasing vulnerability to VPDs. This study examined factors impacting full immunization coverage by age one among children born in 2020–2021 in Southern Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional survey, using multi-stage cluster sampling, enrolled 960 children across four randomly selected provinces in Southern Vietnam. Vaccination histories were verified through personal records, commune logbooks, and the National Immunization Information System, and household and caregiver characteristics were assessed through interviews. Full immunization was defined as receiving all recommended vaccines by 12 months of age. All statistical analyses were adjusted for cluster sampling. Results Overall, 54.0% of children were fully immunized; 62.8% among children born in 2020 and 45.8% among those born in 2021. In multivariable analysis, having a caregiver with less than high school education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41–0.88), and a delay in receiving at least one vaccination at the recommended month interval (AOR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.31–0.60), were associated with lower odds of full immunization by age 1. Children whose birth order was third or higher also had lower odds of full immunization (AOR 0.60; 95% CI: 0.41–0.90). Conclusion Findings indicate suboptimal routine vaccination coverage in these Southern provinces, lower than administrative estimates. Strengthening catch-up vaccination, minimizing service disruptions, and systematic approaches to improve access for families with multiple children or caregivers with lower education may help restore and sustain high coverage.