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ABSTRACT
Background: Immunization serves as a crucial and well-substantiated measure for preserving the health of individuals and communities, demonstrating notable efficacy and enduring advantages in both stable periods and humanitarian crises. Recognized as the most cost-effective public health intervention, immunization protects individuals from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Monitoring immunization coverage is a critical indicator for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of national vaccination programs and the accessibility of healthcare. Noteworthy challenges include negative attitudes of healthcare workers towards mothers, identified as a barrier to immunization service access in Nigeria, along with prolonged waiting times and periodic shortages of vaccines and supplies in healthcare facilities. These issues may be exacerbated by inadequate comfort measures such as the absence or failure of a power supply for fans, unfavorable attitudes, and insufficient seating for clients in waiting areas. In essence, this abstract emphasizes the vital role of immunization in public health, its costeffectiveness, and the significance of monitoring coverage. Additionally, it addresses challenges in service delivery, highlighting the negative impact of healthcare worker attitudes, waiting times, and logistical issues on the accessibility and quality of immunization services. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the utilization of immunization services by clients attending Primary Healthcare Centres in the Egor Local Government Area to identify the factors that characterize and elaborate them to improve the utilization rate of immunization services across PHCs in the study area. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2023 to February 2024 among 420 respondents selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results: The mean age of respondents was 32.7 ± 5.2 years. Most of the respondents were female. Most of the respondents, 410 (97.6%), had good knowledge of immunization services. BCG had the highest coverage on immunization coverage, 418 (83.6%), and MENINGITIS and ROTA had the least coverage. There was a downward trend in immunization coverage as the under-five age increased. The factors hindering optimal utilization of immunization services were the need to seek consent from their spouse, the absence of vaccinators, and the vaccines. About 367 (87.4%) who utilized immunization services in PHCs were satisfied.
