Epidemics and Vaccination Dilemma in Complex Networks: A Case Study of Kosefe and Shomolu Local Government Area Lagos Nigeria

Vaccination is undoubtedly one of the foremost important preventive measures of modern times; epidemics are feared as one of the most damaging phenomena in human societies. Aim: The thesis unveiled how the interplay between the probability of infection, vaccine effectiveness, and cost gives rise to non–linear responses in vaccine uptake. The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive study that used pretested closed-ended questionnaire that was distributed to the respondents. The sample size of 375 was adopted, which was calculated from the target population using the Cochrane formula for sample size calculation. Parents/guardians that strongly believe politicians should be role models that encourage vaccination were 61.87%, while 50.67% of mothers/caregivers were not sure if there is still a link between MMR vaccination and autism. The majority of parents/guardians (55.47% + 29.87%) strongly agree plus agree that media reports on vaccination programmes encourage them to vaccinate their children. 32.80% strongly agree, and 22.40% agree that the media exaggerates reports about disease outbreaks. Conclusion: The level of education plays an important role in the level of knowledge and attitude towards epidemics and vaccination. Income and Cost of vaccines affect vaccination uptake because of the present economic situation in Nigeria. Media plays a key role in vaccination campaigns, awareness, and intervention and should be promoted more to achieve the goal of ensuring all children are vaccinated properly. Doctors and Public Health Nurses have a major role to play in terms of influencing parents/guardian’s vaccination uptake.