Daily immunization services: A moral duty, not an empty slogan

Abstract

BackgroundImmunization services in Armed Forces hospitals are provided once or twice a week leading to children missing important vaccines. Vaccines offered are restricted to vaccines provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). This system is inadequate to meet the challenge of providing 100% immunization to children in a station. Two large service hospitals were selected for provision of daily immunizations under the ‘CHOICE’ banner (Comprehensive child Healthcare, OPD services and Immunization Clinic Everyday), which was conducted under the supervision of the Pediatrician. The immunization delivery before and after institution of the daily immunization program was compared. MethodThis retrospective study compares the vaccine delivery rate of two systems, namely a restricted approach providing UIP vaccines on a weekly basis and a comprehensive approach providing both UIP as well as optional vaccines on a daily basis. ResultsThere was a significant increase in attendance at the immunization clinic, which was progressive over the years with the comprehensive approach. The delivery rates of all vaccines increased, in particular the combination vaccines. The workload per immunization session showed a concomitant decrease. ConclusionDaily immunization is a better method of vaccine delivery to children, leading to a marked increase in attendance at the immunization clinic and utilization of hospital services.