Timeliness of Childhood Vaccination and its Decisive Factors in Bihar: A Community-Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: The effectiveness of immunisation depends on its timely administration. With delay, the duration of susceptibility of child and chances of disease outbreak is increased. In developing countries, it is further aggravated by poor socioeconomic status and inadequate health care facility. No data for timeliness of vaccination available of Bihar. Aim: To study the timeliness of vaccination, drop-out rates and the association of timeliness of vaccination with demographic characteristics of household. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the month of January and February, 2019, on 12- 23 months old children in 59 low-performing blocks of Bihar. Cluster-random sampling was done for selection of villages and house order was calculated for selection of children. Data collection was done using mobile-based application. Timeliness and median age at vaccination was calculated and association was calculated using chi-square. Results: Although, vaccination coverage was high, only 20% were vaccinated timely. Timely vaccination was maximum for Bacillus-Calmette Guerin (BCG); 75% and Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV); 86% and low for first dose of Penta (35%). Timely vaccination was associated with male gender, urban setting, birth at health care facility and low birth order. The study reports 5.8% drop-out rate for BCG-MCV series. Conclusion: Along with vaccination coverage, its timeliness should also be improved. Strengthening of health care facility must be ensured to improve timeliness.

Keywords

• survival rate
• timely immunisation
• vaccination coverage