Immunisation coverage and its determinants among Rohingya refugee children in Malaysia

• Published in: Australian Journal of General Practice
• Main Author: Al-Haroni H.; Muthanna A.; Desa M.N.M.; Azzani M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2023
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85173033436&doi=10.31128%2fAJGP-01-23-6676&partnerID=40&md5=60ae789849525b95da77afedd875caee

Background and objective The displacement of populations due to humanitarian emergencies has an adverse impact on the global elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, the level of immunisation coverage among Rohingya refugee children remains unknown. Therefore, this study investigated immunisation coverage and its determinants among Rohingya refugee children in Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2020 among the guardians of 243 Rohingya refugee children studying under the sponsorship of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, Malaysia. Results Among the 243 children, 90 (37%) were unimmunised, 147 (60.5%) were partially immunised and only 6 (2.5%) were fully immunised. The country of child’s birth, the child’s age and access to healthcare services were significantly associated with unimmunisation (all P<0.05). Discussion This study found low immunisation coverage among Rohingya refugee children in Malaysia. Given the low level of coverage, a public health intervention, such as a vaccination program, for this refugee population is necessary. © The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 2023