Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Immunization remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, yet disparities in coverage persist, particularly in underserved populations. Strengthening immunization systems through innovative approaches is critical to achieving equitable health outcomes. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of community nursing outreach programs in improving immunization coverage, identify barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake, and assess their overall impact compared to conventional facility-based immunization strategies. Methods: A community-based quasi-experimental design was conducted in selected rural and semi-urban communities. Three intervention sites received structured community nursing outreach comprising home visits, mobile immunization clinics, and community health education while three control sites continued routine facility-based services. Data were collected at baseline, three months, and six months using standardized instruments. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: At six months, immunization coverage increased from 71% to 93% in intervention communities, compared to 70% to 79% in control sites. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001), with an odds ratio of 3.07 and a relative risk of 1.18. Outreach programs effectively reduced vaccine hesitancy and logistical barriers, resulting in substantial improvements in timely vaccine uptake. Persistent gaps were primarily linked to access constraints and cold chain limitations. Discussion: The results highlight that community nursing outreach plays a crucial role in improving vaccination rates by addressing both structural and behavioral barriers. Nurses act as trusted health intermediaries, enabling greater accessibility and community engagement. Conclusion: Integrating community nursing outreach into national immunization strategies significantly enhance coverage, promote equity, and accelerate progress toward immunization targets. Strengthening workforce capacity, ensuring reliable vaccine supply chains, enhancing community engagement, and leveraging digital health tools are key for scaling and sustaining these interventions.