Publication:

Assessment of missed opportunities of immunization in children visiting health facility

Background A missed opportunity of immunization is one of the important contributing factors for poor immunization status of western desert part of India. The present study is aimed to know the prevalence of MOI in children visiting the Health facility.

Methods Immunization status was assessed via interview method using standard protocols recommended by the WHO, in a total of 600 children aged less than two years (200 indoor and 400 outdoor patients) enrolled randomly. The children who had missed an immunization opportunity were compared with those who had not, for socio-demographic variables and reasons for same were determined.

Results 45.64% of children had missed an opportunity for immunization in health care visit Illiteracy, higher birth order, rural residence; poor socioeconomic status emerged as the risk factors. Failure to assess Immunization during health visit was found in 82.39%, lack of knowledge of the parents regarding immunization schedule in 79.40% and false contraindications (mild acute illness in 21%, current antimicrobial therapy in 8.22%, convalescent phase of illness in 7.86%, recent exposure to infectious disease in 5.24%, fever precipitating seizures in 1.12%, pre-maturity 0.74% in that order) were the main causes.

Conclusions Immunization is an important but yet neglected part of child health visits. Each child’s immunization status should be assessed at every health care visit to avoid missed opportunities.