COVID 19 Vaccination implementation among preparatory school students in Akaki Kality Sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has affected 229 countries and territories. Vaccines are one of the best ways to prevent and slow down transmission of COVID 19. Since students in school setting share teaching rooms, sport facilities, and other facilities like toilet and cafeteria, and have a higher number of social contacts, this study aimed to assess implementation of Vaccination against COVID 19 among preparatory school selected secondary preparatory schools in Akaki Kality Sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Descriptive cross sectional study design using multistage random sampling technique was conducted among secondary school students in Akaki Kality sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March 01 – 25, 2023. A total of 349 students proportionally allocated to five schools in Akaki Kality sub city were interviewed and focus group discussion were conducted with five catchment health center immunization focal persons.
In this study, preparatory students had 44.6% knowledge and 17.5% practice regarding COVID 19 vaccination. Religion, residence, and the educational level of students’ parent were found associated with students’ knowledge on vaccination against COVID 19. Previous COVID 19 illness and knowledge of students were found to be associated with students’ vaccination practice against COVID 19.
In comparison to other studies, relatively limited knowledge and poor practice were observed. Knowledge was found to be associated with students’ practices indicating the need for strengthening behavioral, risk communication and community engagement activities using religious leaders and different communication platforms. Additionally, to address vaccine related shortages, partnerships should be strengthened at different levels to enable direct purchases, utilization of group financing and donation options.