Assessment of immunization status of 1000 children attending pediatric OPD of a teaching hospital in Ahmedabad.

ABSTRACT

Objective: Assessment of immunization status of children attending Pediatric OPD of a tertiary care hospital and the common causes for not giving the vaccines on time. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed with the help of a semi- structured questionnaire. Vaccination status was confirmed referring to the records of immunization available with the mothers. Site and age-specific details of the vaccines administered were also probed to ascertain the vaccine given whenever required. Results: Immunization coverage was 52.7% which was less than the national average of 61%. Coverage was highest for BCG and OPV zero vaccines (94.4%). Significant reductions in the coverage of the first and third doses of DPT, OPV and Hepatitis B vaccine were observed. There was absolutely no coverage of dT/ TT vaccine. Most common reasons for denial of vaccination were found to be negligence (35.8%) and ignorance (14.8%). The immunization coverage was higher in residents of rural areas (72.32%) and in children of literate mothers (76%). There was no significant reduction in eventual booster doses of DPT. Conclusions: Day by day, universal immunization is increasing but gaps are still visible even at tertiary care settings. Efforts are needed to strengthen the already existing policies. Aggressive sensitization and behaviour change drives targeting mothers can go a long way in achieving the same.