Routine Vaccine Coverage and Completeness in Children in Conakry, Guinea 2022-2023: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Key finding: In Guinea, Only One in Four Children Completes the Full Vaccination Schedule What is known. Routine vaccination is a cornerstone of global child health. Its success depends not only on the administration of the first dose but especially on the full completion of the schedule, a major challenge in resource-limited countries. The issue addressed. There is a lack of precise data in Guinea on the real rate of vaccination schedule completion and the family factors that influence it. Identifying these factors is crucial for designing effective interventions. What this study adds. Among 924 children in Conakry, coverage for the first dose was excellent (≥98% for most antigens). However, only 23% received all required doses. The study identifies at-risk profiles: children under 20 months are 37% less likely to be fully vaccinated. Conversely, completion is favored by a primiparous or older mother, or a father who is a vehicle operator. Implications. These results indicate that strategies must evolve. Beyond awareness for the first dose, active reminder systems and individualized follow-up for young children are needed to transform excellent initial uptake into lasting protection.   This publication is available in full in  Health Sciences and Disease.