Predictors of Malaria Vaccine Hesitancy Among Caregivers in Bumula Subcounty, Bungoma County

This cross-sectional study investigated predictors of malaria vaccine hesitancy among 419 caregivers in Bumula Subcounty, Bungoma County, Kenya, where malaria remains a major health threat. Despite high uptake of the first (97.6%) and second (96.2%) doses of the RTS,S (Mosquirix) malaria vaccine, coverage dropped significantly for the third (86.6%) and fourth (62.8%) doses. Vaccine hesitancy stood at 37.2% and was influenced by factors such as the child’s age, religious beliefs, trust in vaccine information sources, and openness of communication about the vaccine. Four key predictors remained significant in multivariate analysis: child’s age, open sharing of vaccine information, source of verification for negative information, and religious opposition. The study highlights the need for targeted communication strategies and community engagement to address hesitancy and improve full-dose vaccine uptake.

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