Immunization coverage rate of children under one year of age and common factors for responsible for immunization failure

Abstract of Study (Max 300 Words):

INTRODUCTION: Approximately five million children used to die per year from vaccine preventable disease till late 70’s. Nearly same number of people used to cripple, mentally retarded, blind or disabled for life because of the same diseases. OBJECTIVE: To assess the immunization status of 500 children under 1 year of age of both genders in peri urban area of Peshawar and to identify the causes of failure of vaccination of these children

METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted from 15 September 2016 to 15th November 2016 at the peri urban area of Peshawar. 5 nearby villages were selected for the study. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to collect sample size of 500 children under 1 year of age and their mothers. All children of both genders under one year of age living with their mothers were included in the study. Only those children having allergy to any vaccine and those who were living away from their mothers were excluded from the study. A semi structured questionnaire was designed for data collection which includes different variables related to both children and their families. Female research assistants were hired and trained on the questionnaire to collect the data. Pilot study was conducted to check the feasibility and applicability of the questionnaire. Data was collected; results were presented in the form of tables and charts. Manual analysis of the data was carried out.

RESULTS: The immunization coverage of our study population was found to be more than our satisfaction. Almost 95% (475) of our sample population (under 1 year of age) were found to be immunized either completely or partially. Out of the 95 % (475), majority 84% (420) were completely immunized for their respective ages while only 11% (55) children were partially immunized. The common factors responsible for lack of immunization in our study were found to be poor socio-economic status, lack of maternal education, availability of vaccines, family problems and long waiting times at the available vaccination centers.

CONCLUSION: High cost effectiveness of preventive and promotive strategy for the prevention of different diseases among children, more efforts are needed to further improve the coverage rate to bring it to the level of the developed countries of the world.