Abstract:

Background: Vaccination against childhood communicable diseases through Expanded Program on Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. Additional 1.5 million child deaths can be prevented if global vaccination coverage is improved. Mewat district has one of India’s lowest immunization rates despite a long-standing Universal Immunization Program and continues to sustain a high prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases. This study investigates determinants of immunization status among children aged 0-23 months. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to June 2020, among 800 children aged 0-23months, randomly selected in one rural and one urban ward each from all 4 blocks of Mewat. Socio-demographic conditions and vaccine-related data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Immunization was assessed by vaccination card and by mother’s recall where the card was unavailable. Results: Mewat has increased full immunization coverage from 13.1% in 2015-16 to 59.4%. Immunization card was available with 68.5% (292/426) beneficiaries. Dropout rates for Pentavalent1 to Pentavalent3 was 27.5% and 54% for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin to measles. After adjusting for the state of residence, religion, gender, paternal education, health professional presence during birth, place of vaccination and knowledge of mother on due dose were significantly associated with full immunization. Awareness gap and fear of side effects for vaccines were main reasons of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion: Full immunization coverage in the district is sub optimal and behind the desired coverage goal, mainly due to vaccine hesitancy. Enhancing community knowledge about the benefits of vaccination is recommended.

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