Contributing factors to gaps in vaccination coverage in conflict-affected populations

This review compiles trends in literature related to major factors contributing to low vaccination coverage for refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants fleeing war and conflict zones. More specifically, this review considers populations fleeing conflict zones to internally displaced camps or refugee camps in neighboring countries or border zones, as well as the prevalence of underimmunization in asylum seekers. Given the rising displacement of persons throughout the world due to ongoing and emerging conflicts, the public health significance and need for effective, well-planned, and increased vaccination coverage to reduce vaccine-preventable disease transmission and outbreaks is extremely important. The methods used involved compiling peer-reviewed articles using a PubMed search. This was done within a literature search period from January 1st, 2002 to December 31st, 2017 and resulted in a review of twenty-six articles. The results of this review can be used to determine methods to identify barriers and major contributing factors to effective vaccination methods and strategies in conflict-affected populations. There is limited but developing research on the direct relation between conflict and vaccine-preventable diseases or infectious diseases. There are also few immediate policy or practice solutions formulated to address the destruction of healthcare infrastructure in conflict zones. Few policy measures in place, further jeopardizes the health of vulnerable populations. Further research is needed to assess gaps in vaccination coverage for emerging conflict zones and regions of the world because of limitations to this strategy, limitations to strategies already in place, and insufficient studies to address this topic