Factors Associated with the Uptake of Rotavirus and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines among Children in Armenia: Implications for Future New Vaccine Introductions

Abstract

Advances in vaccinology have resulted in various new vaccines being introduced into recommended immunization schedules. Armenia introduced the rotavirus vaccine (RV) and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) into its national schedule in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Using data from the Armenia Demographic and Health Survey, the uptake of the RV and the PCV among children aged younger than three years was estimated. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to evaluate individual- and community-level factors associated with uptake. Intra-cluster correlations were estimated to explain variations in uptake between clusters. The uptake proportionof each RV dose were 90.0% and 86.6%, while each PCV dose had values of 83.5%, 79.4%, and 75.5%, respectively. Non-uptake was highest among children less than 6 months old, children with one sibling, children from a wealthy family, or children whose living distance to a health clinic was problematic. Significant variability in non-uptake due to cluster differences was found for both RV doses (30.5% and 22.8%, respectively) and for the second PCV dose (53.9%). When developing strategies for new vaccine implementation, characteristics of the child, such as age, siblingship, and distance to a health clinic or residence, should be considered. Further exploration of cluster differences may provide insights based on the increased uptake of these and other new vaccines.

Keywords: Armenia; childhood immunizations; childhood vaccinations; new vaccines; vaccinations.