Immunization status of infants residing in an urban community of North Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Immunization is proven cost effective intervention to reduce the child morbidity and mortality. Immunization is the cost-effective intervention which provides protection to infants and children. The objectives of study were to assess the immunization coverage and factors associated with utilization of immunization of 12-23 months children. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban area of Belgaum city, Karnataka with a sample size of 370. Pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit the required information. Result: It was found that 79.5% were fully immunized, 20.5% were partially immunized and no children were found unimmunized. Immunization status of children was significantly associated with mother’s educational level (p<0.05) and socioeconomic class (p<0.001). Conclusion: As the immunization coverage of children was found still low then expected level of coverage prescribed by the Government, there is need of adequate health education proper training, motivation, better monitoring, supervision and strengthening of services to ensure adequate coverage for all doses of vaccine.

Keywords

• Vaccine
• Children
• Dropouts
• Immunization Status
• Coverage Evaluation