Spatiotemporal distribution of timely measles-containing vaccine coverage among children born in Hebei Province during 2019–2023: a secondary analysis of provincial routine immunisation registry data
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: To analyse the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of timely vaccination coverage for the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV(1)) among children born in Hebei Province, China, from 2019 to 2023. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional secondary data analysis of routine provincial immunisation registry data. SETTING: All county-level districts in Hebei Province, China. PARTICIPANTS: All children with immunisation records established at birth in the Hebei Provincial Immunisation Information Management System who were born between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023 and remained in the province until 8 months of age (total birth cohort, n=2 831 956). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was timely MCV(1) vaccination coverage. Secondary outcomes included global spatial autocorrelation, local spatial clustering and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 167 districts and counties were included. The overall timely coverage of MCV(1) among children born in Hebei Province from 2019 to 2023 was 43.49%, demonstrating an increasing trend from 2019 to 2023, rising from 40.57% in 2019 to 53.35% in 2023 (Cochran-Armitage trend test χ(2)=16 059.55, p<0.05). Pronounced seasonal variations were observed across birth cohorts, with lower coverage among children born in the second quarter, followed by a gradual increase in the third quarter. Significant positive global spatial autocorrelation was detected at the county level, global Moran’s I ranged from 0.55 in 2019 to 0.45 in 2023 and local spatial autocorrelation analysis identified high-high clusters primarily in central-southern and northeastern Hebei Province, while low-low clusters were mainly concentrated in the northwestern region. CONCLUSIONS: Timely MCV(1) vaccination coverage among children born in Hebei Province from 2019 to 2023 remained suboptimal, characterised by notable seasonal fluctuations and distinct spatial clustering. Targeted, season-specific interventions in identified low-coverage clusters may improve timeliness. Further research is needed to explore individual-level barriers to vaccination delay.
Source: BMJ Open
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
OpenAlex ID: W7223917532