Publication:

Urban immunization: a story of meticulous policy implementation

Background Vaccination of under 5 children is a crucial process for making child disease free against vaccine preventable diseases. Intensified mission Indradhanush focus on improving immunization coverage to ensure full immunization to more than 90% by December 2018 instead of earlier set target of 2020.

Methods This cross sectional study aimed to assess the full immunization and reasons for partial or no immunization in children less than two years of age in a metropolitan overcrowded area. Total 246 children were enrolled after applying complete enumeration method of sampling. Parents were interviewed by home to home visit and data recorded through immunization card/recall method.

Results 142 (87.65%) children were found fully immunized. The vaccine wise coverage was 100% for BCG, 95.1% for pentavalent and OPV third dose and 91.1% for measles vaccines. Father’s education was significantly associated with partial immunization. Fear, unawareness, H/O AEFI, inconvenient timings are the major reasons for partial immunization.

Conclusions The target of mission Indradhanush is to achieve 90% by December 2018 is on the verge of fulfillment in this study area. As the age of the child gets increases the adherence for subsequent vaccination decreases. Emphasis should be given on Fathers education and community awareness regarding importance of Vaccination.