Routine immunization catch-up vaccination guideline

Abstract

Timely vaccination is key to maintaining population immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), ensuring populations are fully protected against life-threatening illnesses as early as possible, and preventing large outbreaks of VPDs. The World He Immunization Agenda 2030 aims to improve and sustain gains in immunization, as no one should miss out on the right to the protection that vaccines offer, simply because they are not able to access services in time. With this regard, the Ethiopian government has been providing 12 antigens in the routine immunization programme. There have been improvements in each antigen vaccination coverage. Despite best efforts, individuals may not always receive all vaccines in a timely manner as per the recommended age in a national immunization schedule. There is no clear guide/strategy in Ethiopia to address children that missed vaccination within the recommended schedule due to natural and human-made factors