Publication:

Evaluation of session sites of routine immunization program in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh

Background Vaccination is one of the most effective disease prevention strategies and the success of immunization program in the field depends upon the availability of appropriate vaccines, logistics and proper vaccination practice of health workers. This study was undertaken to assess actual vaccines and logistics availability, vaccination practices and safety issues at session sites of Damoh District of Madhya Pradesh.

Methods Cross-sectional observational study was done using a structured questionnaire. Data was collected from 36 session sites of Damoh District of Madhya Pradesh.

Results The availability of AD syringe of 0.1 ml and 0.5 ml was not adequate. Functional hub cutter was available in 30(83.3%) session sites. Zinc tablets were found only at 32 (88.8%) session sites. Due list of beneficiaries was maintained only by 33 (91.6%) ANMs and 26 (72.2%) ASHA workers. BCG was available in 20 (55.5%) and IPV in 27 (75%) sessions. Vaccine storage conditions were not appropriate in 2 sessions sites. Time of reconstitution was written on reconstituted vaccines in 30 (83.3%). Date and time of opening vial was written in 32 (88.8%) session sites. Only in 28 (77.7%) sessions ANM were cutting Syringe with Hub Cutter. Four key messages were being delivered to parents in only 16 (44.4%) sessions and only in 22 (61.1%) sessions ANM was advising the care giver to wait for 30 minutes after vaccination.

Conclusions There was satisfactory organization of immunization session in terms of availability of logistics and cold chain maintenance but unsatisfactory in terms of vaccination practice.