@article{CRSIJ26000244,
                  author = {Ibegi, Ibegi Saviour , Abila, Woyengidipamo Promise, Henry, Messiah TMT, Olodiama, Providencia Chichi, Alegbe, Tamaralayefa Precious, Peter, Agala Owonaro, Izonowei John-Daniel},
                  title = {Availability of Routine Vaccines in Primary Health Care Facilities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {2},
                  number = {1},
                  pages = {147-154},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000244.pdf},
                  abstract = {Routine immunization is a core component of primary health care and remains one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite sustained national and global investment in immunization systems, availability of vaccines at the primary health care (PHC) level continues to be undermined by supply chain and infrastructural constraints, particularly in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted across all thirty government-owned PHC facilities offering routine immunization services in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), Bayelsa State. A purposive sampling technique was used to include all eligible facilities. Structured questionnaires were administered to health workers directly responsible for immunization services, and findings were triangulated with on-site observation of cold chain equipment, storage areas, and stock records. Data were analysed with SPSS version 26.0 using descriptive statistics, with chi-square tests applied where relationships between variables were explored. Vaccine availability varied considerably by antigen. Tetanus toxoid (15.1%), Vitamin A (11.9%), meningitis vaccine (10.8%), and yellow fever vaccine (10.3%) were the most consistently available, while pentavalent and rotavirus vaccines were comparatively scarce. Most respondents (63.3%) reported that vaccines were not available consistently throughout the preceding twelve months, and 36.7% reported stock-outs occurring almost monthly, with 43.3% reporting stock-out episodes lasting longer than one month. The leading facility-level barriers identified were inadequate cold chain equipment (24.3%), poor electricity supply (21.6%), inadequate funding and logistics support (18.9%), and shortage of trained staff (14.4%). Routine vaccines are nominally present in PHC facilities in Yenagoa LGA, but frequent and prolonged stock-outs driven by weak cold chain infrastructure, unreliable power supply, and underfunded logistics systems undermine consistent availability. Targeted investment in cold chain infrastructure, backup power, supply forecasting, and workforce capacity is required to stabilize routine immunization service delivery in the LGA.},
                  keywords = {Routine vaccines, vaccine availability, stock-out, primary health care, immunization, Bayelsa State, Nigeria},
                  month = {July}
        }