A recent study from the University of Sydney in conjunction with Fiji National University has found that just over half of children with disabilities in certain regions of Fiji are completely vaccinated under the National Immunisation Programme (NIP). The research, which took place between April and May 2023 in the Suva–Nausori area and Rewa, involved 198 children aged between 2 and 19 years who presented with various disabilities such as motor, vision, hearing, speech, intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy, along with their caregivers.
The results indicated that only 55% of the surveyed children were fully immunized against all vaccines included in the NIP. Although the first dose of each vaccine had a relatively high uptake, the coverage showed a marked decline with each subsequent dose. Notably, older children aged 15 to 19 years were found to be significantly less likely to be fully vaccinated. Furthermore, children with hearing impairments exhibited lower vaccination rates, while caregivers’ lack of confidence in vaccine safety was tied to lower immunization rates. Conversely, children with mobility challenges reported higher vaccination coverage.
These findings underscore a critical need for more inclusive health policies to ensure that children with disabilities are not overlooked in national vaccination initiatives. The researchers emphasized that “Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to infections from vaccine-preventable diseases,” highlighting that policies must direct focus towards removing access barriers and guaranteeing equitable delivery of vaccines.
In light of these findings, the study’s authors are urging health authorities and policymakers to intensify outreach initiatives and adapt public health messaging to bolster vaccine confidence among caregivers, particularly those responsible for children with disabilities.
This issue is compounded by broader challenges facing children with disabilities in Fiji, which align with reports from UNICEF indicating that many of these children lack access to essential services, including healthcare and education. Addressing educational inequalities and improving infrastructure to better accommodate individuals with disabilities remain pivotal to creating a more inclusive society. Furthermore, initiatives like ongoing baseline studies by the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission aim to assess rights and needs comprehensively, nurturing a commitment to change and furthering inclusivity.
Combining the call for increased vaccination coverage with broader efforts to enhance healthcare and education access illustrates a hopeful trajectory for children with disabilities in Fiji. With targeted strategies and collective action, there stands a significant opportunity to help these vulnerable populations thrive and ensure they receive the support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.