Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccination in Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel Coronavirus strain Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently a pandemic. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the COVID-19 outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern. The lockdown across the countries has resulted in a postponement of routine immunization programs following the recommendations of maintaining a physical distance. Delay of routine pediatric vaccinations, even for a short duration will result in an increased likelihood of vaccine-preventable. The primary objective of this research is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the routine childhood vaccination coverage rate in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study through an online questionnaire. The targeted population was both male and female adults who have children at the age of vaccinations who are residents of the eastern region of Saudi Arabia during the period between July 2020 and September 2020. Results: 494 respondents participated in this study. 378 of them have children. 76.5% of them have Children had vaccination schedule during COVID-19 pandemic. 66.9 vaccinated their children. 33.1% of parents their children did not receive vaccines during COVID-19. 82.8% of parents think vaccines should be given at its time even during the COVID pandemic. Conclusion: One out of every three children has missed their routine vaccinations during the COVID-19. The pool of unimmunized children is expanding during the lockdown, making them susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases. Most of the parent knows the importance of routine pediatric vaccinations.