Effect of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreaks on Immunization Service for Children Aged 0-5 in Yala Province.

Abstract

This phenomenological qualitative research aimed to 1) study the impact of COVID-19 outbreaks on immunization service for children aged 0-5 in Yala province and 2) develop policy recommendations to promote vaccine coverage for children 0-5 years under new normal circumstances. Data were collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire utilizing in-depth interviews with 24 informants. The data were thematically analyzed and checked by experts.

The results showed that the vaccine coverage after COVID-19 outbreaks was slightly decline in the 1-year age group but slightly increase in the 2, 3 and 5-year age groups. However, the average still remained lower than 70 percent in all groups. In addition, the infection and morbidity rates of measles, diphtheria and pertussis tend to be lower than before the pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 outbreaks on immunization service were grouped into 3 areas: 1) access to services 2) quality and service, and 3) human resource management.

             The policy recommendations in promoting vaccine coverage among children aged 0-5 under new normal circumstances were; 1) promoting access to immunization services 2) integrating proactive immunization and 3) empowering capacities and motivations of healthcare workers. Hence, to continue the immunization service among children aged 0-5 paralleling with COVID-19 control.

Keywords: COVID-19, Immunization, Southern border, Vaccine coverage