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Evaluation of vaccination coverage
B Bhandari1, S L Mandowara, G K Gupta
1Department of Pediatrics, R.N.T. Medical College, Udalpur, Rajasthan.
Insights
This study evaluated childhood vaccination coverage in India using WHO-recommended methods. Findings reveal significant gaps in full immunization, highlighting the need for improved strategies to boost vaccine uptake and reduce dropouts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization Practices
Background:
- Vaccination coverage is crucial for child survival and disease prevention.
- Monitoring immunization rates is essential for public health interventions.
- Previous studies indicated challenges in achieving optimal vaccination coverage in certain regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the vaccination coverage among children aged 12-23 months in a specific region of India.
- To identify the extent of full, partial, and no immunization.
- To determine dropout rates for key vaccines and explore reasons for incomplete immunization.
Main Methods:
- Cluster sampling methodology based on the WHO module 'Evaluate Vaccination Coverage' was employed.
- Data was collected from 215 eligible children aged 12-23 months.
- Vaccination status (fully, partially, unimmunized) and dropout rates for Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DPT), and Tetanus Toxoid (TT) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Only 44.65% of children were fully immunized.
- 38.61% of children were partially immunized, and 16.74% were unimmunized.
- Dropout rates were 21.23% for OPV and DPT, and 4.03% for TT.
Conclusions:
- Significant proportions of children remain under-immunized, indicating a need for enhanced public health efforts.
- High dropout rates for OPV and DPT suggest systemic issues in vaccine delivery or parental adherence.
- Recommendations are proposed to improve vaccination coverage and reduce dropout rates based on identified factors.
Abstract:
The cluster sampling methodology based on WHO module on "Evaluate Vaccination Coverage" recommended by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 1987 was followed to evaluate the vaccination coverage of eligibles. Out of the 215 eligible children between 12-23 months of age, 44.65 38.61 and 16.74 per cent were found to be fully, partially and unimmunized respectively. The dropout rate for OPV and DPT was 21.23 while it was 4.03 per cent for TT. Based on the studied facts responsible for non or partial immunization, suggestions have been made to accelerate the coverage and reduce the dropout rate.