Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Challenges of Immunization Exercise in Nigeria

Abstract

Immunization in Nigeria has been one of the controversial issues. Many studies on immunization in Nigeria have focused on the influence of cultures on the success of immunization, alternatively this study explores the challenges of immunization exercise towards eradicating Vaccines Preventable Diseases in Nigeria. The study utilized secondary source of data, mostly academic journals, thesis and dissertations as well as unpublished materials. The study utilised theoretical exploration of risk and benefits of immunization. The study found that, reaction to immunization is not recent and had faced series of confrontations over the years. While in Nigeria vaccination resistance is more common in the northern Nigeria where majority of the inhabitants are mostly Muslims, the majority of the antagonists are of the view that vaccination is forbidden considering its effects and how it is sourced. Whereas others believed that vaccination is lawful in Islam. The study further concluded that though immunization coverage has increased, resistance to vaccination would continue depending on the level of awareness among Nigerians. The study recommended more public sensitization and provision of more reliable vaccines to Nigerians.