Partially Immunized Research Articles

Evaluation of vaccine effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children using a meta-analysis approach. Relevant studies on the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children were identified through computerized searches. VE-related indicators were extracted, and data analysis was performed using the R software with the meta-package. This study included a total of 12 relevant articles involving 9,963,732 participants from multiple centers in different countries, including the United States, Canada, Singapore, Israel, South Korea, and Qatar. The administered vaccine types included BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. Participants were categorized into partially immunized (one dose of vaccine) and fully immunized (two doses of vaccine). Four articles reported VE after one dose of vaccine, while 12 reported VE after two doses. Heterogeneity analysis indicated significant heterogeneity among the studies, warranting the use of a random-effects model for analysis. Meta-analysis results revealed that the VE of partial immunization ranged from 16.61 (95% CI: 6.32-25.77) to 34.30 (95% CI: 24.21-43.04), with a pooled VE of 22.80 (95% CI: 15.68-29.32). The VE after full immunization ranged from 16.14 (95% CI: 14.42-17.83) to 90.47 (95% CI: 67.42-97.21), with a pooled VE of 56.17 (95% CI: 41.12-67.37). Meta-regression analysis showed no statistically significant correlation between VE and time (p>0.05). Both partial and full immunization of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine provide benefits in reducing infection rates. VE varies over time and is closely associated with viral mutations and waning immunity. The specific mechanisms require further investigation.

Immunization Status of Children 12-36 Months Age of Migrant Workers and Factors Associated with it in Urban Areas of Bangalore East.

Immunization is a cost-effective weapon against vaccine preventable diseases. Children of migrant workers suffer from lack of immunization because of frequent shift of places, poor knowledge, and low socioeconomic status. To assess the immunization status of children 12-36 months of age of migrant workers and factors associated it. To identify the reasons for non-immunization or partial immunization among these children. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 migrant workers' children aged 12-36 months residing in Urban Bangalore east from February 2019 to August 2020. A cluster sampling method was incorporated. The data were collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi-info™ Version 7.2.1 and SPSS version-21. Data were summarized in percentages, mean, standard deviation, and logistic regression. The mean age of the children was 25.2340 ± 8.42 months. Out of 500 children, 88.60% were fully immunized, 11.40% were partially immunized, and no child was unimmunized. Significant predictors of immunization status of children were education of father and immunization card. Common reasons for dropout were inconvenient time (80.70%), unaware of need (77.19%), and busy schedule of parents (75.44%). The dropout rate of BCG to MR-1, Penta-1 to Penta-3, and Penta1to MR-1 was 6.49%, 0.85%, and 2.12%, respectively. Immunization coverage in the present study was 88.60%. Inconvenient time was the main reason behind partial immunization.

COVID-19 outbreak in a long-term care facility in Kelowna, British Columbia after rollout of COVID-19 vaccine in March 2021.

In March 2021, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared at a large long-term care and short stay facility in British Columbia, Canada-well after introduction of the vaccination program in long-term care facilities that resulted in a dramatic decline in the number of outbreaks in this type of setting. The objective of this study is to provide the descriptive epidemiology of this outbreak, in the context of partial immunization of both residents and staff at the facility. The cases' information was extracted from a provincial information system (Panorama). Descriptive analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SAS. Outbreak management controls included, but were not limited to, asymptomatic testing and efforts to increase vaccination. Twenty-six cases among the 241 resident and three cases among the 418 staff (corresponding to attack rates of 10% and less than 1%, respectively) were identified. The attack rate in residents was considerably lower than the average attack rate for COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities before the vaccine rollout. Seventeen resident cases were either partially or fully immunized. Four of the eight hospitalized cases and two of the three deceased cases were partially immunized. Seventeen cases were temporary stay residents. The three staff cases were not vaccinated. Ten cases were identified as part of asymptomatic testing. Introduction of vaccination at facilities contributed to lower attack rates and higher numbers of asymptomatic cases in this outbreak. Screening asymptomatic individuals identified additional cases among vaccinated residents. Findings underscore the importance of achieving high vaccine coverage, including among temporary stay residents, to prevent virus introduction and subsequent unrecognized transmission opportunities.

To study the immunization status of children aged 1-5 years admitted to department of pediatrics, Lala Lajpat Rai & Associated Hospitals, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur

The Present study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of Lala Lajpat Rai & Associated Hospital GSVM Medical College, Kanpur. All the children aged between 1-5 years, admitted in Department of Pediatrics were asked to participate in this study. Information regarding vaccination, socio-demographic factors was collected from their parents and care takers. Accuracy and validity of information were confirmed by immunization card in possible situation and inspection for BCG scar. Hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study.In upper class, 100% of children were completely immunized. In upper middle class, 80.8% children had complete and 19.1% partial immunization status. No one remained unimmunized in upper middle class. In lower middle class, 33.9% of children were completely immunized, 59.6% partially immunized and 6.4% remained unimmunized.Children who were 1stin birth order, had maximum immunization coverage (44.8%). Minimum immunization coverage was in birth order >4 (3.2%). P value is <0.001, indicates the significant relation between birth order and immunization status. As birth order increased, immunization coverage decreased. In this present hospital based descriptive cross –sectional study, we found that 51.2% children were fully immunized, 45.6% were partially immunized and 3.2% children were unimmunized as per National immunization schedule. Children belonging to upper class were 100% completely immunized. In upper middle class 80.8% children in lower middle class 33.9%, in upper lower class 55.7% and in lower class 50.9% children were completely immunized respectively. In lower class immunization coverage was higher than lower middle class. Droprate for BCG to pentavalent 1 was 10.64%, similarly dropout from BCG to measles was 12.7%. Dropout rate of pentavalent 1 to pentavalent 2 was 1.4%, pentavalent2 to pentavalent3 was 2.6%. It indicates that system is not able to hold the child once registered. Steps for improvement should focus on reducing the drop rate from BCG to pentavalent and measles.

Interim Estimates of Vaccine Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 Vaccines in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Health Care Personnel, First Responders, and Other Essential and Frontline Workers - Eight U.S. Locations, December 2020-March 2021.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in randomized placebo-controlled Phase III trials (1,2); however, the benefits of these vaccines for preventing asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection, particularly when administered in real-world conditions, is less well understood. Using prospective cohorts of health care personnel, first responders, and other essential and frontline workers* in eight U.S. locations during December 14, 2020-March 13, 2021, CDC routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 infections every week regardless of symptom status and at the onset of symptoms consistent with COVID-19-associated illness. Among 3,950 participants with no previous laboratory documentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 2,479 (62.8%) received both recommended mRNA doses and 477 (12.1%) received only one dose of mRNA vaccine.† Among unvaccinated participants, 1.38 SARS-CoV-2 infections were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) per 1,000 person-days.§ In contrast, among fully immunized (≥14 days after second dose) persons, 0.04 infections per 1,000 person-days were reported, and among partially immunized (≥14 days after first dose and before second dose) persons, 0.19 infections per 1,000 person-days were reported. Estimated mRNA vaccine effectiveness for prevention of infection, adjusted for study site, was 90% for full immunization and 80% for partial immunization. These findings indicate that authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are effective for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of symptom status, among working-age adults in real-world conditions. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all eligible persons.

Assessment of The Coverage Rate of Expanded Program Of Immunization Among Five Years Children In Tikrit City – Iraq

Background: Childhood immunization is the initiation of immunity through the application of vaccines .It is considered important for improving child survival .Immunization is a primary health care preventive measure and remain the most cost-effective public health intervention to reduce child morbidity and mortality attributed to infectious diseases.Subjects and method:Cross sectional study was conducted on five year children who attended (8) kindergarten in Tikrit city and their information from PHCC sector.Children were selected by cluster sample then simple random from each cluster. The study was conducted in the period from November 2019 to August 2020.Results: The study revealed a significant inverse relation was observed between household crowding and socioeconomic status children's parents. The percentageoffull immunized children ( 40.90%) these children were considered as having had complete immunization, but more than half of the children had one or more than one missed doses and were considered as is having had partial immunization(56.25%).The number of unvaccinated children were five children (2.84%). complete immunization of children were found among male (54.77%), while complete immunization among children female were (28.26%)and there strong association statistically. The partial immunization among male children were (39.28%) and female were (71.74%) the coverage rate of vaccination among immunized children the coverage rate was (97.2%).The highest for immunized children was for the vaccines Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG*)+OP90+first dose of Hepatitis B Virus vaccine (HBV1)(92.04%) while the lowest rate (6.0%) was for the vaccines OPV2booster+MMR+TETRA (DTaP +IVP ).Conclusion: this study concluded that the highly percentage of partially immunized children in kindergarten ((56.25%).

Mapping of immunization coverage using Geographic Information system (GIS) technology in urban slums of central Karnataka, India

Introduction: Immunization is an essential component of public health programs and the most cost effective intervention. Despite having a robust and well-functioning health system in India some states face reduction in immunization coverage which needs to be improved. Objectives: In urban field practice area of a tertiary care teaching hospital - To assess the immunization coverage among children aged 6-23 months and To assess the use of Geographic Information system (GIS) technology as a tool for spatial mapping of the vaccine coverage Method: A cross sectional study was done among 6-23 months children residing in the urban slums in the field practice area of tertiary care teaching hospital. Data was collected by house to house visits with interview of mother/primary caregiver using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire. QGIS software was used for spatial mapping of the immunization coverage. Result: A total of 374 children aged 6–23 months were part of the study. It was found that the completely immunized, partially immunized, and unimmunized children were 78.3%, 16.9%, and 4.8%, respectively. The most common cause for partial immunization and non-immunization was child being ill and the lack of information, respectively. Spatial mapping of immunization coverage helped us in identifying the urban areas with low immunization coverage. Conclusions: Vaccine coverage in the area needs to be improved more which can be done by educating the mothers/primary caregivers and motivating them for better health of their children. GIS can be used as a useful tool in mapping immunization coverage.

Immunization status of children aged 1-5 years attending tertiary care center and reasons for partial or non-immunization

Background: Immunization is a reliable evidence-based approach to eradicate deadly infectious diseases. National family health survey (NHFS4) data reveals that immunization after 1 year of age dropped in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: Our aim was to determine immunization status and reasons for partial or non-immunization of children aged 1 to 5 years in Kanyakumari district from April 2019 to March 2020. It’s a prospective and descriptive hospital-based study. Here 613 children were split-up in three categories based on ministry of health and family welfare (MOHFW) guidelines as fully, partially or unimmunized. The samples were analysed with IBM. SPSS statistics software 23.0 Version.Results: Of the 613 children 5 were excluded from the study due to contraindications to immunizations. Of the 608 children 529 (87%) were fully immunized, 79(13%) were partially immunized and none were unimmunized. Among partially immunized, 2 parents lacked information (2.5%), 26 parents lacked motivation (32.9%), 45 parents faced obstacles (57%) and 6 parents had other reasons (7.6%). 2 parents who lacked information were migrant laborers, illiterates and the children were home delivered. In the partial immunization, chi-square and regression analysis revealed that for female gender the p-value was 0.001, OR 2.084 with 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.347 to 3.226), for parental education the p-value was 0.0005, OR 1.561 with 95% CI (1.034 to 2.335) and for home delivery the p value was 0.0005, OR 1.564 with 95% CI (1.006 to 2.432). Conclusions: The study determines that factors associated with partial immunization are female children, illiterate/less educated parents and home delivery.

Seroprevalence of Anti-HBs Titers in Health-care Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease caused by Hepatitis B virus which is a partially double stranded virus. Sharp injuries are the most common occupational injuries among healthcare workers (HCW). HCW are prone to sharp injuries during work, and infection after exposure. Materials and Methods: Anti-HBs titres were measured in 231 HCW in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai. Result: Eighty six males and 145 females participated in the study. Out of these 41 were vaccine non compliant; 37 were partially immunized and 4 were not immunized. 32 out of 231 individuals tested had titres below 10 mIU/ml (10 mIU/ml considered to be the minimal protective titre). Among the individuals who had titres <10 mIU/ml, 17 were medical assistants, 10 were nursing officers and 5 were doctors. Out of these there were 04 who had not received any HepB vaccination in the past. The rest had received either complete or partial immunization. All those who had completed primary vaccination series and had titres <10 mIU/ml (n = 14) had completed primary vaccination more than 5 years ago. Conclusions: In our study 82.2% were vaccine compliant and 27.8% were vaccine non compliant. Out of 231 individuals 32 (13.85%) had titres <10 mIU/ml. This study highlights the need for HCW to undergo anti-HBs titres post primary vaccination and after 5 years of primary vaccination to identify susceptible individuals. The HCW with non protective titres should be give Hep B booster and antibody levels should be tested to confirm protective titres.

A cross-sectional study on immunization status among Anganwadi children in a rural community, Karnataka

Background: Communicable diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. One of the most costeffective methods for well-being of a child is immunization. In India, immunization services are offered through anganwadis which is mainly well utilized in rural areas. The Universal Immunization Programme which was launched in 1985 currently covers Ten Vaccine Preventable diseases in Karnataka. In spite of good resources the immunization rate remains low in some areas because of various reasons. Objectives: To assess the immunization coverage of 3-6 years children coming to Anganwadis. Materials and Methodology: The present study was carried out in rural field practice area of a medical college in Kolar district. In this descriptive cross sectional study, children in the age group of 3-6 years who were enrolled with anganwadi were listed and their mothers were interviewed by using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which captured various sociodemographic details, factors favoring and obstacles for immunization was Captured for a period of 6 months from October 2018 to March 2019. Results: Completely immunized children were 86 %, partially immunized were 14 % and none was un-immunized. The most common reasons for not immunizing the child were Current Illness for the Child, Time and Place not known for vaccination and Fear of Side Effects, Mother’s education, Social class and Religion were significantly associated with Immunization. Conclusion: The overall coverage of immunization among the rural area was good but emphasis on addressing the reasons for partial immunization should be met by effective IEC and Inter-personal communication. The reasons for partial/non immunization are preventable and may be increased by creating awareness about vaccine preventable disease and strengthening the immunization services.

Evaluation of immunization coverage and its determinants in children aged 12-24 months from rural and urban areas of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Background: Infectious diseases are now the world’s biggest killer of children and young adults. Over the last three decades a lot of progress has been made globally as far as protection against six important vaccine preventable diseases is concerned. The major cause of non-immunization and partial immunization in most of the studies conducted in India and abroad suggest lack of knowledge and awareness about vaccination in the community.Methods: 400 children aged 12-24 months from urban and rural areas (200 each) of Udaipur in a randomized manner were included in this study. For coverage and evaluation of vaccination in this study, informants preferably mothers were interviewed using pre-coded and pretested questionnaire by door to door visit from 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2018, in urban and rural areas of Udaipur and if mother was not available then father or any other person &gt;18 years belonging to the household was asked to respond to questionnaire.Results: The present study was undertaken to find out the vaccination coverage in eligible population in rural and urban blocks of Udaipur. Out of 400 children evaluated. More than half (60.25%) of children were completely immunized. 29.5% children were partially immunized and 10.25% were not immunized at all.Conclusions: Lack of knowledge and awareness were the main reason for non-immunization (44.4%) and partial immunization (29.4%) respectively.

Evaluation of Immunization Coverage in the Rural Area of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Background: In children, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality is infectious disease. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective methods for child survival. The purpose of the survey is to assess access and coverage of immunizations in the rural areas of the District Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted in a rural population area of District Peshawar from February 2016 to April 2016 using the WHO’s 30 cluster sampling method for evaluation of immunization coverage.Results: A total of 390 children aged 12-23 months were included in the study. It was found that 67.94% of the children were fully immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. Thirty percent of the children were partially immunized; the percentage of unimmunized children was 2.06%. Immunization cards were issued to and available with 58.8% of the subjects. The most common cause of partial immunization was a lack of information regarding vaccinations (27%). Immunization against measles was found to be low (67%). Those using private facilities were more likely to be completely immunized as compared to government facilities.Conclusions: Immunization coverage in our survey was 68%. Sustained efforts are required to achieve universal coverage of immunization. Significant interventions are required, especially in areas that are more rural and less educated.

Urban-rural differences in immunisation status and associated demographic factors among children 12-59 months in a southwestern state, Nigeria.

Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) are a leading course of child under-five mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. A target of 95% immunization coverage is necessary for the sustained control of VPDs. This study aims to determine the immunization status and its associated demo-graphic factors among children 12–59 months old in Akinyele Local Government area (LGA), Oyo State, Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in one urban and one rural ward of Akinyele LGA. Fourhundred and forty-four (449) Under-five children were selected by multistage sampling technique. Data were collected from caregivers using interviewer administered questionnaires. Odds ratios at 95% CIand Chi square at 5% significant level were computed to identify the factors associated with non or partial immunisation. Multiple logistics regression at 5% significance level was done to determine the socio-demographic determinants of immunisation status. Overall, 449 children aged 12–59 months were surveyed of which 213(47.4%) were males and 236(52.6%) were from urban area. Overall, 365(81.3%) was fully immunized, 75(16.7%) was partially immunized and 9(2.0%) had never been immunized. Predictors of a child being partially or un-immunised were being in the fourth wealth quintile (AOR 7.9; 95%CI: 2.7–18.0), poorest wealth quintile (AOR 14.5; 95%CI 4.2–20.5), having a mother with no education (AOR 6.4; 95%CI: 2.9–14.1) and a mother that practiced Islam (AOR: 2.2; 95%CI: 1.3–3.7). Immunisation coverage was somewhat high but still suboptimal among the study population. Strategies that improve female literacy and those that target religious institutions may be effective in improving immunisation uptake.

District Level Analysis of Routine Immunization in Haryana State: Implications for Mission Indradhanush under Universal Immunization Programme.

Background:The immunization coverage in India is far away from satisfactory with full immunization coverage being only 62% at national level. Targeting the intensive efforts to poor performing areas and addressing the determinants of nonimmunization and dropouts offers a quick solution. In this paper, we assess the inter-district variations in Haryana state, and the association of social determinants with partial and no immunization.Methodology:This analysis is based on data collected as part of a large household survey undertaken in the state of Haryana to measure the extent of Universal Health Coverage. A multistage stratified random sampling design was used to select primary sampling units (i.e., subcenters), villages, and households. A total of 11,594 mothers with a child between 12 and 23 months were interviewed on receipt of immunization services. Determinants of nonimmunization and partial immunization were assessed using multiple logistic regression.Results:About 21% of children aged 12–23 months were partially immunized, while 4.3% children aged 12–23 months had received “no immunization.” While the coverage of full immunization was 74.7% at the state level, it varied from 95% in best performing district to 38% in poorest performing district. Odds of a partially immunized child were significantly higher in urban area (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–1.38), among Muslim household (OR = 3.52; 95% CI = 3.03–4.11), children of illiterate parents (OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.22–2.05), and poorest quintile (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.36–1.89).Conclusions:Wide interdistrict variations call for a need to consider changes in resource allocation and strengthening of the government initiatives to improve routine immunization in these districts.

A study on immunization coverage of 12-23 months children in urban areas of Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu

Background: Immunization forms the major focus of child survival program throughout the world. Roughly 3 million children die each year of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) with a disproportionate number of these children residing in developing countries. Majority of the population in rural areas depend mainly on Govt. agencies for health care, including immunization. Whereas, in urban areas in spite of multiple agencies providing health care. Hence, the present study was carried out in urban areas of Kanchipuram district to know the current level of immunization status and also the reasons for failure in immunization. The objectives of the study were to assess the immunization coverage among children 12-23 months in municipality areas of Kanchipuram district, to find out the reasons for non immunization or partial immunization and to recommend measures to improve the immunization coverageMethods: 30/7 cluster technique by using immunization program coverage survey household form. Results: Out of 210 study population, 130 (61.5%) were boys and 80 (38.5%) were girls. 115(55%) children were from Hindu community, 47 (22%) Muslims and 48 (23%) Christians. The mothers who were able to show the card to the investigator was 122 (58%), whereas the rest (88) 42% of the mothers were not able to produce the card during the day of survey. The percentage of fully immunized was 160 (76%), partially immunized was 50 (24%). Conclusions: As immunization forms a critical component of primary health care, at most importance needs to be given to the same so that child will not be deprived of the precious drop or prick. Every opportunity should be used to vaccinate eligible children by overcoming the hurdles, to achieve the goal of 100% immunization coverage.

Cross sectional study to assess immunization knowledge and practice among families of children between 0 -5 years in rural areas of Punjab, India

Background: Immunization is the single most cost effective and efficient intervention to reduce the burden of childhood mortality and morbidity worldwide. Vaccines under universal immunization programme (UIP) are provided free of cost but still the current coverage of fully immunized children is quite low. Main reason identified for poor coverage included illiteracy, lack of knowledge and poverty.Methods: It is a cross sectional study carried out in rural area of Punjab from March 2014-March 2015. Total 500 families with 500 children between age 0-5 years were selected randomly. Study involved one to one, interview according to a pretested structured questionnaire prepared in a vernacular language Punjabi and English too.Results: Total 500 children were included in the study out of which 230 (46%) were female and 270 (54%) were male. Maximum coverage to BCG vaccination (77.2%) and minimum for measles vaccine (56.2%) was observed. 55% of children were completely immunized, 28.8% were partially immunized and 16.2% were not immunized. Most common reason given by families for non\partial immunization was lack of knowledge, family issues and sickness of child.Conclusions: It is concluded from present study that the main reason for partial\non-immunization was lack of knowledge of families about vaccination. Considering incomplete knowledge and inappropriate practices the policy makers and medical profession require to put in much more efforts to sensitise families about importance regarding immunization in preventing diseases and their consequent morbidity and mortality.

Assessment of immunisation status of infants in an urban area of North Karnataka

Background: Still over 2 million children die each year from the six vaccine preventable diseases, some of which can be eradicated and all of which are preventable. Methods: Cross sectional study done on 385 infants residing in Urban Health Centre, Khasbag, Karnataka, India. Results: The study revealed that 373 (96.88%) of the infants were fully immunized, 9 (2.34%) were partially immunized and 3 (0.78%) were unimmunized. There were multiple reasons for partial and non-immunization. The main causes were unaware of need for immunization, unaware of need to return for 2nd and 3rd dose and wrong ideas about contraindications. Other causes were postponement of immunization for another time and the major obstacles were illness of child, mother too busy and family problems. Conclusions: Child illness and lack of information are major causes of non-immunization and partial immunization.

Assessment of under-five immunization coverage among the population of slum areas in Mangalore taluk, India

Background: Immunization coverage is better in urban than rural areas. However, we anticipate and argue that within the urban areas disparities and inequities persist in immunization coverage and that the socioeconomically disadvantaged, particularly those who reside in slum areas are more vulnerable and may contribute to the lower uptake of immunization. The objectives of the study were to assess the under-five immunization coverage amongst the households in slums of Mangalore taluk and to identify determinants of full immunization uptake among under 5 in the slums population and to know the reasons for non-immunization or partial immunization of children.Methods: Community Based Cross sectional study was conducted in the notified slum areas of Mangalore during August-November 2015. Information was collected from the parents regarding vaccination of their children and sociodemographic variables using a semi-structured interview schedule.Results: 88 (57.7%) of under 5 children were fully immunized, 62 (41.3%) were partially immunized in the slum areas of Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Mean age of the children in our study was found to be 35.15 months. Immunization coverage was found to be associated with the presence of immunization card, occupation of mother, knowledge about universal immunization programme (UIP), knowledge about protection offered by vaccines.Conclusions: Unfortunately, the immunization coverage was found to be very bad in the slum areas of Mangalore city, Karnataka, India. There is an urgent need to ensure that regular health education sessions are conducted. Secondly, slum areas should be the target of RCH programme with special focus on immunization related activities e.g. ensuring that all households with children should have immunization cards, as the slum areas remain the neglected section of the society due to various reasons.

Coverage evaluation survey of the pentavalent vaccine using global positioning system technology and google earth in a rural area near Bangalore

Introduction: The government of Karnataka has introduced a new vaccine, i.e., pentavalent vaccine (PVV) in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) schedule from 1st April, 2013. There are no published studies on vaccination coverage of this new vaccine. Objectives: 1. To assess the coverage of PVV of infants in a rural area. 2. To find out the reasons for immunization failure. 3. To describe the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and Google Earth as new tools for spatial mapping the vaccine coverage. Methodology: This exploratory study was conducted in September, 2014 by covering three rural Primary Health Centers near Bangalore by a team of field investigators. The population studied was children aged between 6 and 23 months at the time of the survey. WHO's standard EPI 30 cluster sampling technique was used for assessing the vaccine coverage. GarminGPS72H, a hand held GPS receiver, and Google Earth were used for spatial mapping the vaccination coverage. Results: A total of 210 children aged 6–23 months were included in the study. It was found that the completely immunized, partially immunized, and unimmunized children were 93.3%, 4.3%, and 2.4%, respectively. The most common cause for partial immunization and non-immunization was child being ill and the lack of information, respectively. Spatial mapping of vaccination coverage described the immunization coverage in the area and also gave insight into the probable reason for partial/non-immunized children. Conclusions: Coverage of PVV was very high and vaccine was well accepted by the community. GPS and Google Earth were useful in spatial mapping of the vaccination coverage.

Determinants of immunization status of children aged 1-5 years attending a tertiary health care facility: A cross-sectional study

Background: Childhood immunization is one of the key health interventions, which is useful in decreasing the under-five mortality. There has been a recent decline in immunization coverage rates in India as shown by the National Family Health Survey 4. Objective: This study was undertaken with the objective of determining the socio-economic and demographic risk factors associated with partial immunization of children aged 1-5 years attending a tertiary care center in South India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at the outpatient department of Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Chennai, from May 2015 to October 2015. Children aged 1-5 years attending the outpatient department were included by convenient sampling. A sample size of 1100 was calculated based on a pilot study. After obtaining parental informed consent, data were collected on immunization and socio-demographic factors, namely, gender, place of residence, parental education and occupation, family income, number of children, birth order, place of delivery, and awareness of the type of vaccines to be given. The WHO definitions were used to classify immunization status as full, partial, and delayed immunization. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent risk factors for partial immunization. Results: Totally, 1104 children were included in the study. 1056 (95.7% [95% confidence interval 94.5-96.9]) were fully immunized, whereas 41 (3.7% [2.59-4.81]) were partially immunized and 7 (0.6% [0.14-1.06]) had delayed immunization. None of the children were totally unimmunized. Univariate analysis identified rural residence, home delivery, having more than 2 children, birth order more than 2, lack of maternal and paternal education beyond primary school level, and lack of awareness on immunization as significant risk factors for partial immunization. After multivariate logistic regression, rural residence, having more than 2 children, and lack of awareness on immunization emerged as independent risk factors for partial immunization. Conclusion: Residing in rural areas, having more than 2 children, and lack of awareness on immunization are significant independent risk factors for a child not being fully immunized.