“The Struggle to Immunize the Unvaccinated” – A Nurse’s Battle Against Misinformation

Calabar, Cross River State, recently played host to a UNICEF media dialogue and field trip, shedding light on critical issues surrounding immunization for sick and small newborns and the alarming number of zero-dose children (those who have never received a single vaccine).

The visit revealed the real-life struggles faced by healthcare workers and the communities they serve, particularly the systemic and societal barriers hindering vaccination efforts.

During the field trip, Iniobong, the Routine Immunization Officer at Primary Health Care Ekpo Abasi, shared firsthand insights into the challenges faced in delivering essential vaccines to children. She highlighted the troubling unavailability of key vaccines such as Rotavirus (Rota) and Pentavalent (Penta) vaccines, essential for protecting children against severe diarrheal diseases and other potentially deadly illnesses. “When we don’t have these vaccines in stock, it disrupts the entire vaccination schedule,” Iniobong explained.

Barriers Beyond Supply Shortages:
While the lack of vaccines remains a significant issue, societal and cultural factors also impede immunization efforts. Iniobong detailed how outreach programs in local communities often meet resistance from some parents. “There are parents who refuse vaccines because their churches don’t permit it,” she noted, adding that deeply rooted religious beliefs continue to fuel vaccine hesitancy.

Other parents expressed fears stemming from their previous vaccination experiences. “Some tell us that the last time their child was vaccinated, it hurt them badly, so they don’t want their children to go through that pain again,” Iniobong said.

Impact on Zero-Dose Children:
These challenges are particularly concerning for zero-dose children, who remain entirely unprotected against preventable diseases. The field trip highlighted the critical need to address both logistical and cultural barriers to ensure every child receives life-saving immunizations.

Healthcare workers like Iniobong face the dual burden of advocating for vaccines while managing limited resources and tackling misinformation. Their work is not just about administering vaccines but about fostering trust within communities and breaking down myths surrounding immunization.

The dialogue also addressed logistical hurdles, such as poor access to remote communities, inadequate transportation for vaccine distribution, and insufficient public awareness about the importance of immunization.

A Call for Action
The unavailability of vaccines like Rota and Penta points to systemic issues that require urgent attention. Investments in vaccine procurement and supply chains, coupled with community engagement, are essential to closing these gaps. Additionally, addressing cultural resistance through targeted awareness campaigns can help dispel fears and misconceptions about vaccines.

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