Measles Vaccination Timeliness and Associated Factors Among Children Aged 9-24 Months in the Bule Hora District, West Guji Zone, Oromia, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background Vaccine timeliness is essential for preventing childhood morbidity and mortality; however, measles vaccination programs are often evaluated based on coverage rather than timeliness. Objectives This study assessed measles vaccination timeliness and its associated factors among children aged 9–24 months in Bule Hora District, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024 among 361 mother–child pairs selected using systematic random sampling. Results Timely vaccination was observed in 54% (95% CI: 49.1%–59.4%) for the first dose and 58% (95% CI: 48.3%–67.3%) for the second dose of measles vaccination. Maternal secondary education, longer travel time to a health facility, and absence of PNC were significantly associated with timely MCV vaccination. Conclusion The findings indicate suboptimal measles vaccination timeliness and highlight the need to strengthen postnatal care and maternal counseling to improve measles vaccination timeliness.