Spatio-Social Variations in Childhood Immunization in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Childhood immunization is a key health intervention of the Nigerian national health care delivery system, aimed at reducing the incidence of morbidity and mortality among children. This study
examines the patterns and differentials in childhood  immunization coverage using data generated from primary and secondary sources. Findings of the study revealed marked intra-urban and
rural urban differences. Immunization coverage varied among the three social areas of Lagos metropolis. The explanatory factors of the variability in immunization coverage are residential status,
maternal demographic characteristics of education, autonomy, past health experience and distance to health facility location. The paper recommends among others, the placement of premium on childhood immunization as a prerequisite for primary school enrolment as a way of attaining higher and even immunization coverage.