Why I Rejected Polio Vaccine For my Children – Bauchi Father

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

Saidu Mohammed, a 40-year-old father from Lushi community in Bauchi State, has refused to let his children receive the polio vaccine, citing doubts about its safety.

“I am not complying because many polio volunteers themselves don’t vaccinate their children. I have seen this happen,” he told journalists.

Mohammed said he is conducting his own research on the vaccine and will allow his children to be vaccinated only if he finds it safe. 

“I’m economically okay, and if my research proves the vaccine is safe, I will vaccinate all my children, even if it costs five thousand naira each,” Mohammed added.

While acknowledging that children have the right to healthcare, he said his religion obliges him to take full care of his children.

Local health officials said noncompliance cases are rare, involving less than 1% of households. 

Authorities are working to engage Mohammed and ensure all his children are eventually vaccinated.

In Bauchi State, extensive polio immunisation campaigns have targeted hundreds of thousands of children, with support from partners like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation  (WHO,) as part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease. 

Despite these efforts, Saidu Mohammed’s refusal to vaccinate his children reflects lingering mistrust and skepticism among a small fraction of the population, even in areas with high coverage. 

His stance highlights the continuing challenge health authorities face in ensuring full compliance and underscores the need for sustained community engagement and education to address fears and misinformation.