A case of childhood vaccination barrier: migrant and seasonal farmworkers

Aim: The Expanded Program on Immunization has proven to be one of the most effective public health strategies. However, the literature contends that medically disadvantaged groups have been associated with less compliance with vaccination calendars and schedules. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to investigate the vaccination coverage of the children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFs) and to identify their specific barriers to vaccination. Materials and methods: A total of 168 children aged 12-23 months were recruited to the study from a primary healthcare center. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire targeting the issues of infant vaccination status, the reasons for vaccination failure, and sociodemographic data about the children and their families. Results: Childhood vaccination coverage in MSF children was found to be low (49.4%). Significantly, a relationship was found between having a vaccination card and vaccination coverage (P < 0.05). The majority of reasons for a child's vaccination failure as reported by caregivers were related to overall insufficient knowledge of vaccination. Other important reasons for failures in the vaccination of MSF children that were reported by caregivers were neglect and laboring in the agricultural field. Conclusion: Migrant and seasonal farmwork seems to be a barrier in accessing primary healthcare services.