A Qualitative Cross-sectional Study Aimed at Identifying Barriers to Accessing Routine Vaccinations and Strategies for Improvement: Perspectives from Healthcare Workers in the City of Buea in Cameroon

Background: Vaccination is a vital public health intervention that has saved millions of lives worldwide. In Cameroon, however, challenges persist in vaccination coverage, especially in the Buea region, where access and uptake remain uneven. This study aimed to assess the barriers to routine vaccination access in Buea from the perspectives of healthcare workers and identify strategies to improve vaccination coverage in children below five years. Methods: The study used qualitative research design with in-depth interviews based on the WHO BeSD tool. Healthcare workers, including nurses and midwives with at least one year of vaccination experience, were recruited from various health facilities in the city of Buea. The interviews explored participants' views on vaccination access, barriers, and potential solutions. Audio recordings were transcribed, and thematic analysis was carried out using Dedoose software. Results: Sixteen female healthcare providers, with an average age of 30 ± 5 years, participated in the study. The primary barriers to vaccination access identified were adverse reactions, false rumors, financial limitations, follow-up challenges, missed appointments, inaccessibility, vaccine shortages, poor cold chain management, inadequate staffing, negative past experiences, limited knowledge of vaccine importance, children's poor health, vaccine refusal, religious influences, and the unavailability of caregivers. Healthcare workers proposed several strategies to improve vaccination services, such as better communication with patients, community outreach and follow-up, ongoing education, enhancing cold chain management, increasing the workforce, and addressing cultural and religious factors. They highlighted the need to counter false rumors, provide financial support, and improve accessibility to vaccination services.