A SURVEY ON IMMUNIZATION COVERAGE AMONG CHILDREN OF RURAL SOUTH KERALA

BACKGROUND: Immunization is one of the most cost effective public health interventions since it provides direct and effective protection against preventable morbidity and mortality of children. As per CES 2009, there are 4 states including Kerala where > 80% of children between 12-23 months of age are fully immunized. OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the immunization coverage of children of 12 to 24 months of age in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. 2. To find out any socio demographic factors associated with immunization coverage METHODOLOGY: Study Design-Community-based Cross sectional study. Study Area: Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Study population: Clusters of Children below the age of 12 to 24 months and their mothers. Data are collected using pretested questionnaire and from Immunization cards. RESULTS: Out of 210 children covered 90% were fully immunized for age, 10% were partially immunized and no child was unimmunized. The coverage was more among female children. Measles coverage was 93.33%. 100% had received BCG immunization. The drop-out rate for DPT, HepB and OPV from 1st to 3rd dose was 5.7%. 91.28% developed a scar after BCG vaccine. 79.52% took BCG within three months of age. 73.80% had measles vaccine between 9th and 12th month. 90% of the children received immunization from government hospital and health centers. Less than 10% got immunization from private sources. 100% of mothers of infants were immunized against Tetanus. There was significant association between low socio economic status and partial immunization status. CONCLUSION: If immunization coverage survey is done frequently it will help to get a true picture of the Immunization status of the target population, the agency through which the immunizations are given in the area and various reasons for immunization failure and drop out. The knowledge can be used for devising strategies to attain 100% immunization coverage, which enables to prevent the vaccine preventable diseases successfully.