Abstract
Background The Coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services worldwide impacting routine childhood vaccinations thereby posing the danger of vaccine preventable infections in the near future.Aim This study aimed to assess the occurrence and frequency of delayed vaccinations during the pandemic at a tertiary care center in India. Methods This descriptive record-based study analyzed immunization records of children aged 0-15 years attending the out-patient clinic from March 2019 to August 2021. The study period was divided into pre-COVID lockdown 1 amp 2 and unlock 1 amp 2 phases. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.Results Vaccination rates significantly decreased during the pandemic compared to the pre-COVID phase particularly during the lockdowns. Maximum reduction was observed with optional vaccines. Unlock phases also showed decreased vaccinations suggesting continued impact of fear and limited accessibility even with easing of restrictions.Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted childhood immunizations. Aggressive catch-up vaccination campaigns with effective communication safety precautions and outreach campaigns to the missed communities are necessary to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Published Version
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