Assessing routine childhood vaccination acceptance, hesitancy and refusal in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa: a mixed-method study protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent infections. Since the introduction of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation worldwide by WHO in 1974, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives and prevented countless illnesses and disabilities. In South Africa, vaccination has contributed substantially to the decline in under-five childhood deaths from 89 418 in 2005 to 47 409 in 2013. However, the country still has limitations in achieving optimal uptake of vaccines.

Methods

This study will use a mixed-methods design to identify the factors associated with acceptance, hesitancy and refusal of childhood vaccines in three subdistricts of the Cape Town Metropolitan Health District in South Africa. In phase I of the study, we aim to estim

SUBMITTER: Mathebula L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11808908 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature