Knowledge and Utilization of Malaria Vaccines among Nursing Mothers of Children Aged 5-15Months in Twon-Brass Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria vaccination among ≤5yrs children is an additional tool for preventing plasmodium falciparum in Bayelsa state prompting. Bayelsa was among the Nigerian states to introduce the R21 malaria vaccine through a phase Programme in December 2024. This research assessed nursing mothers’ knowledge, utilization of malaria vaccines, and perceived factors affecting access in Twon-Brass, Bayelsa State. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was reported among 367 nursing mothers of children within5–15 months randomly using an interviewer structured questionnaire while analysis was done using spss version 26.Results: Outcome shows that 76.6% of respondents knew malaria was a serious childhood disease, 67.6% knew that vaccines can protect children against malaria,60.8% knew that malaria vaccine was provided through routine immunization and 57.8% consider the vaccine safe for children. Regarding utilization, 61.6% reported that their children had received malaria vaccines, 67.3% adhered to immunization schedules, and 56.7% completed required vaccine doses compared to 43.3% children who do not complete the utilization of the malaria vaccines. Major influencing factors included health education (78.7%), family support (75.2%), transportation difficulties (64.3%), and distance to health facilities (59.7%) were commonly reported barriers. 78.7% stated that health education increased their confidence in childhood vaccines. Conclusion: Interpretation of receipt and completion requires confirmation of local eligibility, vaccine availability and immunization records. Clear care giver education and accessible, reliable immunization services may support uptake.