Immunization coverage in the district Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India: evaluation using the 30 x 7 cluster sampling technique

Abstract

Background: Immunization plays an important role in reducing morbidity and mortality in children. Despite all the efforts put in by government for 100% immunization coverage, it was only 53.1% in District Sirmaur among children aged 12-23 months as per District level Health Survey -4. The objectives were to assess the primary immunization coverage among children in District Sirmaur of Himachal Pradesh as compared to NFHS-3 and DLHS-4. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in District Sirmaur using the World Health Organization's 30 X 7 cluster sampling method for evaluation of immunization coverage during the period October 2015- January 2016. Results: A total of 210 children aged 12-23 months were covered for the evaluation, of which 95.20% of the children were fully immunized. However, immunization card was available with 77.14% of them. Zero dose of OPV was given to only 47.62% children and BCG scar was present in 82.38% of the study participants. The most common cause for partial immunization was being ‘unaware of need for immunization. Conclusions: Majority of the children ages 12-23 months were fully immunized. The key to further improvement is to monitor drop out at any stage of vaccination before completion of full course of immunization.