Incidence and Pattern of Adverse Events Following Immunization in the 2017/2018 Measles Vaccination Campaign in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: A national post - campaign coverage survey was performed in Nigeria at the end of the measles vaccination campaign in 2017/2018. This study aims to assess the incidence and pattern of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) among Nigerian children aged 9 -59 months. Methods: A stratified two stage- cluster sampling design was used. From each state 210 households were selected using the national census sampling frame. Data was analysed using STATA version 14 software. Results: Out of the 10153 eligible children that were sampled during the survey, a total of 19.1% of AEFI cases were reported nationally. The AEFI reporting rate was highest for systemic reactions which occurred in the 24-59 months age group (33.9%), in males (11.6%) and rural dwellers (12.1%). Conclusions: This study reveals that the AEFI reporting rate was relatively low. Mild systemic reactions accounted for majority of the AEFIs.

Keywords

• adverse events following immunization
• nigeria
• children
• surveillance