A study on immunization coverage of 12-23 months children in urban areas of Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Immunization forms the major focus of child survival program throughout the world. Roughly 3 million children die each year of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) with a disproportionate number of these children residing in developing countries. Majority of the population in rural areas depend mainly on Govt. agencies for health care, including immunization. Whereas, in urban areas in spite of multiple agencies providing health care. Hence, the present study was carried out in urban areas of Kanchipuram district to know the current level of immunization status and also the reasons for failure in immunization. The objectives of the study were to assess the immunization coverage among children 12-23 months in municipality areas of Kanchipuram district, to find out the reasons for non immunization or partial immunization and to recommend measures to improve the immunization coverageMethods: 30/7 cluster technique by using immunization program coverage survey household form. Results: Out of 210 study population, 130 (61.5%) were boys and 80 (38.5%) were girls. 115(55%) children were from Hindu community, 47 (22%) Muslims and 48 (23%) Christians. The mothers who were able to show the card to the investigator was 122 (58%), whereas the rest (88) 42% of the mothers were not able to produce the card during the day of survey. The percentage of fully immunized was 160 (76%), partially immunized was 50 (24%). Conclusions: As immunization forms a critical component of primary health care, at most importance needs to be given to the same so that child will not be deprived of the precious drop or prick. Every opportunity should be used to vaccinate eligible children by overcoming the hurdles, to achieve the goal of 100% immunization coverage.