Indian Journal of Community Medicine (Apr 2024)
IJCM_205A: A qualitative study to assess factors affecting the uptake of measles vaccine in a metropolitan city
Abstract
Background: Measles is a communicable and potentially fatal, but vaccine- preventable disease. India has set a target of 95% vaccination coverage for Measles-Rubella elimination by the end of 2023 with the help of Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI 5.0). The National Immunization Schedule of India recommends two doses of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine at 9 months and 16-24 months. The immunization coverage dropped across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic during the year 2020-2021. Consequently, there was a recent surge in measles cases in some Indian states. The state of Maharashtra reported over 3000 cases; and its capital city Mumbai reported with over 400 cases in December 2022. Various factors such as fear of side effects, lack of information and ignorance have been found to influence vaccine uptake. Objective: To determine the factors associated with the uptake of measles vaccine in the community. Methodology: The study data collection was conducted during November- December 2023, in the M-east municipal ward of Mumbai, using Qualitative research methods until data saturation, i.e., In-depth Interviews and Focus- Group Discussions. 1. On a one-to-one basis, In-depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted among health authorities and healthcare workers involved in the immunization program, from the Public Health Department of Mumbai. 2. Focus-Group Discussions were conducted with a homogenous group of participants comprising mothers of under-five children, and healthcare workers. Results: The most common barriers in measles vaccination that emerged was fear of side effects and overworked healthcare workers, while the motivating factors were good rapport between the community and healthcare workers and communicating health-related information. One of the core themes that emerged was the need for strengthening routine immunization services. Conclusion: Tremendous efforts are taken by the public health systems and healthcare workers in the community for ensuring good quality healthcare, including routine immunization. However, establishing a good rapport and building trust among the community members is the need of the hour for ensuring a robust immunization coverage uniformly across the nation.
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