Immunization experts have called for improved attitudes among health workers and caregivers to boost child vaccination rates and reduce the number of un-immunized children in Lagos State.
The experts made the call during a meeting with health workers on strategies to attract more caregivers to routine immunization and improve service delivery across the state.
They emphasized the need for mutual respect between caregivers and health personnel, urging parents to avoid missed appointments and lateness and discouraging confrontations over waiting times -factors that often discourage families from completing immunization schedules.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Aketi, said the government prioritizes crowd management and safety during health activities.
According to her, “You see our LASAMBUS ambulances and fire services strategically positioned at public events. It’s to ensure safety and preparedness. The same applies to our immunization services – we are committed to protecting lives.”
Aketi attributed lingering vaccine resistance to past experiences and misinformation, citing the historic Pfizer incident and recent COVID-19 concerns.
She stressed the importance of continuous advocacy and community sensitization to rebuild public trust.
She also called for an increase in the number of Maternal and Child Centres (MCCs) across Lagos to strengthen teamwork among health professionals and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
The Immunization Officer, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Mrs. Oluwakemi Oshodi, announced plans to introduce weekend immunization to reach more zero-dose and un-immunized children, as well as to extend immunization days for greater accessibility.
Similarly, the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for the B.O.O.S.T Project (Better Opportunities for Optimized Targeted Intervention for Zero-Dose and Un-immunized Children in Nigeria), Dr. Itunu Dave-Agboola, said the meeting was convened to identify barriers to routine immunization and develop solutions.
She highlighted challenges such as low funding, inadequate manpower, and the difficulty of reaching rural and riverine communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Adeola Akinpelu, Immunization Programme Coordinator, acknowledged Lagos’ high vaccination coverage but noted that the state still records the highest number of zero-dose children due to its large and mobile population.
He said: “Lagos ranks among the top three states for immunization coverage nationwide, but our zero-dose rate remains high because of population influx. For every child vaccinated here, it’s almost like vaccinating five children in other states.”Akinpelu disclosed that the state is recruiting more health workers and investing in vaccine supply chains to ensure doses reach the last mile in perfect condition.
He also assured that outreach programs will be intensified to serve underserved and riverine communities.
Representatives from several professional bodies, including the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Pediatric Association of Nigeria, and Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), pledged support to address barriers to routine immunization and strengthen collaboration for better results.