Peer-reviewed article
Immunization coverage and factors associated with immunization status in an urban area of Imphal East district: a cross-sectional study
Usha Devi Thounaojam, Bishwalata Rajkumari, Laishram Robina Chanu, Milachon Kasar, Oinam Gunipriya Devi et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined immunization coverage among children aged 6-23 months in an urban area of Imphal East district in India. Researchers interviewed 206 mothers or caregivers and found that 73% of children were fully immunized, but only 59% were immunized up to date with their vaccination schedule. Child illness was the most common reason for incomplete immunization, and older mothers were more likely to have children with up-to-date vaccinations than younger mothers. The study concludes that community awareness campaigns and addressing vaccine misconceptions are needed.
Key points
- 73% of children were fully immunized, but only 59% were immunized up to date with their current schedule
- Child being sick was the main reason reported for incomplete immunization
- Mothers in older age groups had significantly higher rates of up-to-date immunization for their children (p=0.02)
- 3% of children were not immunized and 37% were partially immunized
- Study recommends raising community awareness and addressing vaccine misconceptions
Limitations
The study was limited to one urban primary health centre area with 206 respondents, which may not be representative of rural areas or other regions. The cross-sectional design provides a snapshot in time only and cannot establish causation or explain complex reasons for immunization gaps beyond what caregivers reported.
Abstract
Background: Despite many initiatives undertaken by the government of India, many children remain unvaccinated or under vaccinated, and vaccine preventable diseases are still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The present study was done to assess the immunization coverage of children aged 6 to 23 months in an urban area of Imphal East district and to determine the factors associated with immunization gap. We also determined the association of immunization status with some socio-demographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in all the thirteen villages under urban primary health centre (UPHC), Kshetrigao among mothers or primary caregiver of children aged 6-23 months. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires by face to face interview. Results: The total number of respondents was 206. The prevalence of fully immunized, immunized up to date, partial and non immunized were found to be 73%, 59%, 37%, and 3% respectively. Child being sick was the main reason for incomplete immunization. Mother belonging to older age group were found to have significantly higher immunized up to date children than younger mother (p=0.02). Conclusions: The prevalence of immunized up to date children was low. Effective strategy of raising awareness among communities regarding routine vaccination and clarifying their misconceptions related to vaccines is the need of the hour.