Publication:

Awareness and attitudes of mothers towards new vaccines in the childhood vaccination programme in delhi state: a cross sectional study

Background With the introduction of newer antigens in the childhood immunization programme in several states, the nationwide UIP is eventually going to be further expanded to increase the number of diseases against which children will be protected through the vaccination programme. However, despite the best intentions of the government, a poor awareness of the new vaccines among the caregivers may defeat this purpose and only result in poor coverage and poor uptake. This study was carried out to assess the awareness of mothers regarding the new vaccines introduced in the childhood vaccination programme in Delhi State.

Methods The study was conducted in the immunization clinic of a tertiary care hospital of Delhi. A total sample of 388 mothers was interviewed. The data was analyzed using SPSS ver 20.

Results Only 18.3% (95% CI, 14.76-22.46) of the participants were aware that newer vaccines have been introduced into the programme. 48.2% (95% CI 43.27- 53.16) of the respondents were unaware about the same, while 33.5% (95% CI, 28.99-38.35) claimed to have heard about it but were not sure whether newer vaccines had been introduced. It was observed that as the education status of mothers improved, their awareness regarding newer vaccines in the programme also increased. The knowledge regarding age of administration, number of doses etc. was very poor. However multiple pricks during a single vaccination visit was not a disincentive for the mother to get the child vaccinated. The willingness to buy a vaccine that was not available free of cost from the hospital, increased with increasing education level of the mother.

Conclusions There is a requirement of focused publicity campaigns to increase the awareness and thereby uptake of the new vaccines among caregivers.