The Role of Health Workers in Improving Toddler Immunization Coverage during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted essential health services, including routine immunization for toddlers. Declines in measles, polio, and DPT immunization coverage were widely reported throughout Indonesia as parents delayed health-facility visits due to fear of infection. This study aimed to determine the role of health worker support in increasing toddler immunization visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed with 40 respondents selected using cluster sampling. Data were analyzed using chi-square statistical tests. Results indicated that 70% of toddlers had incomplete immunization and 72.5% of respondents reported receiving support from health workers. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between health worker support and toddler immunization visits (p = 0.032). Strengthened support, communication, and outreach by health workers play an essential role in restoring immunization coverage during public health emergencies.