Missed opportunities for vaccination in Africa

The purpose of this review is to assess the extent of missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) in Africa, determine the associated factors, and provide recommendations that countries could adopt in reducing MOV. Two databases were searched for multinational studies and systematic reviews reporting MOV and involving African countries. A total of 288 records were identified and 12 studies included for synthesis. The prevalence ranged from 47.0% to 62.1%, with a weighted mean of 27.3%. This review highlighted caregiver utilization, health service delivery, and healthcare worker' factors associated with MOV. Understanding the extent of MOV in Africa presents an opportunity for multiple approaches to resolve the differential factors that contribute to MOV, and to bridge the gap in vaccination coverage in the continent.

Automated summary

This review aimed to assess the missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) in Africa and determine associated factors. Caregiver utilization, health service delivery, and healthcare worker factors were highlighted as important aspects. Understanding the extent of MOV in Africa provides an opportunity to address the differential factors contributing to MOV and bridge the gap in vaccination coverage on the continent.