Immunization status of 24-35 months old children in urban slums of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost effective methods of preventing childhood diseases and needs to be sustained with higher coverage for desired benefits. Objective of the study was to assess immunization coverage in children of 24-35 months of age group in urban slums of Ahmedabad city, India.Methods: Using the purposive sampling method, a cross sectional community based study was conducted in urban slum area (Vadaj area) of Ahmedabad city during July-November 2014. All 214 children of 24-35 months age group of the area were included after taking verbal informed consent of their parents or guardians. Vaccination status of the children was verified using the Immunization card. In conditions where the Immunization card was not available, the mother/parents were asked about the site of vaccinations to confirm the vaccines being given. Analysis of study was done by using appropriate statistical software. Results: Total 936 households were surveyed. There were 214 children in the 24-35 months age group. Mamta card or immunization record was available with 145 (73.6%) mothers of 24-35 months age group of children. Vaccination coverage in the age group of 24-35 months old children was maximum for BCG and OPV first dose (96.7%) followed by Pentavalent first dose (95.8%) and OPV second dose (95.3%). Overall, 75.7% of the children in the 24-35 months age group were completely immunized while only 6 children were unimmunized. Dropout rate percentage for Pentavalent 1st dose to pentavalent 3rd dose was 3.44% while for BCG to second dose of measles was 19.75%.Conclusions: Complete immunization coverage was 75.7% which was better than the national surveys still the causes for no/ partial vaccinations need to be addressed.