Despite Nigeria’s achievement in eradicating wild poliovirus, vaccine hesitancy remains a persistent challenge—even in urban centres like Lagos.
Between May 3 and 7, 2025, during the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), this reporter moved through key communities in Mushin Local Government Area, including Akanro, Ilasamaja, Idi Araba, Ojuwoye, Shobowale, Okunade, and Alafia, to observe the conduct and reception of the ongoing polio vaccination campaign.
Mixed Reactions in the Field
Across Mushin, health workers and volunteers went door-to-door, visiting schools, churches, and mosques to administer the oral polio vaccine. While some parents welcomed them with gratitude, others turned them away—some politely, others with visible suspicion or outright hostility.
At Sadiku Street, a woman peered from behind her curtain, refusing to engage with vaccinators. In Ojuwoye, another mother stated bluntly, “I don’t want them touching my baby. I heard that thing causes sickness.”
In some compounds, children were vaccinated while neighbours next door refused. One woman on Kekereowo Street said, “My pastor warned us about these foreign drops.”
The Roots of Resistance
Several factors emerged from the field as major contributors to vaccine rejection:
Religious Misinformation: In places like Idi Oro and Olosha, some families declined the vaccine due to messages from religious leaders. A mother of three said, “My church warned us against this. I won’t risk it.”
Social Media Misinformation: In Igbeyinadun, a woman cited a viral WhatsApp voice note claiming the vaccine caused seizures. “I won’t gamble with my child’s life,” she said.
Lack of Awareness: On Sanusi Street, a father questioned the repeat visits: “Why are you back again? You came just a few months ago.” Many parents didn’t understand the need for multiple doses.
Side Effects and Fear: On Olusoga Street, a mother said her child fell ill after a previous vaccination. “The chemist advised me against it,” she said.
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Distrust in Door-to-Door Campaigns: In Daleko, a resident asked, “Why only polio? What about malaria or typhoid?” Others cited security concerns, saying they were wary of letting strangers into their homes.
Traditional Alternatives and Peer Influence: Some parents insisted on using herbal remedies, like a grandmother in Olosha who said her grandchildren take agbo daily. In some cases, once one family rejected the vaccine, others followed.
Ethnic and Cultural Influence: In Idi Araba, families of northern origin, especially Hausa-speaking households, showed higher rates of refusal—despite engagement efforts with Hausa-speaking vaccinators and translated materials.
What’s at Stake
Although Nigeria was declared free of wild polio in 2020, the refusal of polio vaccines in densely populated areas like Mushin leaves the door open for potential resurgence. One unvaccinated child can reintroduce the virus to vulnerable communities.
Children playing together in crowded areas like Akinbaye and Ojuwoye Market show how easily polio could spread if even one child becomes infected.
Ongoing Response
Health teams are adapting. In Mushin, officials now work with trusted community figures—religious leaders, local influencers, and familiar voices—to build trust. Campaigns are delivered in Yoruba, and visits are often combined with free vitamin A supplements and health checks.
But trust, experts agree, cannot be built overnight.
This is not simply an issue of ignorance, but of fear, lived experiences, and community narratives. Until those narratives shift, and trust in health institutions is restored, the threat of vaccine rejection—and a possible return of polio—will persist.
National Implications
The rejection seen in Mushin is not isolated. Similar trends have been reported across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. As health authorities push toward universal immunisation, overcoming vaccine hesitancy must remain a national priority.