A recent collaborative study by the University of Sydney and Fiji National University revealed that just over half of children with disabilities in selected regions of Fiji are fully vaccinated under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP). Conducted between April and May 2023 in the Suva–Nausori area and Rewa, the research involved 198 children aged 2 to 19, each presenting various disabilities such as motor, vision, hearing, speech, intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy, alongside their caregivers.
The findings showed that only 55% of the children surveyed were fully immunized against all vaccines included in the NIP. While the initial doses for each vaccine displayed relatively high uptake rates, the coverage significantly dropped with each successive dose. Alarmingly, older children aged 15 to 19 years were less likely to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, those with hearing impairments demonstrated particularly low vaccination rates, whereas children with mobility challenges had higher coverage. A notable correlation emerged between caregivers’ confidence in vaccine safety and immunization rates—lower confidence linked to reduced vaccination.
This study highlights an urgent need for inclusive health policies to ensure children with disabilities are not neglected in national vaccination efforts. The researchers stressed that children with disabilities are especially susceptible to infections from vaccine-preventable diseases, calling for policies that focus on removing barriers to access and ensuring equitable vaccine distribution.
In response to these findings, the authors emphasize the importance of health authorities and policymakers enhancing outreach efforts and tailoring public health messages to improve vaccine confidence among caregivers, particularly those responsible for children with disabilities.
These vaccination challenges are part of broader systemic issues facing children with disabilities in Fiji, coinciding with reports from UNICEF revealing that many lack access to crucial services, including healthcare and education. Tackling educational disparities and enhancing infrastructure to support individuals with disabilities is vital for fostering a more inclusive society. Efforts like ongoing baseline studies conducted by the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission aim to thoroughly assess the rights and needs of these children, reinforcing a commitment to societal change and inclusivity.
By merging the push for improved vaccination coverage with broader initiatives aimed at healthcare and educational access, there is a promising pathway for supporting children with disabilities in Fiji. With focused strategies and collective efforts, there lies a significant opportunity to empower these vulnerable populations, ensuring they receive the necessary support to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.