Assessment of Immunisation Coverage and Its Determinants Among Children Under Five in Sokoto State

Childhood immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions, yet coverage rates in north-western Nigeria continue to fall short of the national target of 90 percent. This study assessed immunisation coverage and its determinants among children under five years in Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, with 280 mother-child pairs recruited from four primary healthcare centres through systematic sampling. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, immunisation history verified from child health cards, and caregiver knowledge and attitude toward vaccination. Coverage rates were calculated for each antigen in the National Programme on Immunisation schedule. Results showed a full immunisation coverage rate of 54.3 percent, below the national target. BCG and OPV zero-dose coverage were highest at 91.4 percent, while measles and pentavalent third-dose coverage dropped significantly. Maternal education level (p < 0.001), knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases (p < 0.01), and distance to the nearest PHC (p < 0.05) were significant determinants of full immunisation. Dropout rates between DPT1 and DPT3 stood at 28.6 percent. Healthcare worker attitude during visits was cited by 43.9 percent of mothers as a barrier. The study concludes that immunisation coverage in Sokoto metropolis is suboptimal and recommends targeted community outreach, health education for caregivers, and improved PHC accessibility as priority interventions to close the immunisation gap. Keywords: immunisation coverage, children under five, Sokoto State, primary healthcare, North West Nigeria