Immunization coverage in a rural area of Bareilly district: a cross-sectional community-based study

INTRODUCTION: Infectious diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Immunization remains a cost-effective method for child survival against vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite all the interventions put in by the government for 100% immunization coverage, there remain pockets of low coverage, especially in rural areas. Our aim was to estimate the immunization coverage and assess sociodemographic factors associated with immunization among children aged 12-23 months in a rural area of Bareilly. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice area under RHTC from January 2016 to June 2016 using a 30 by 7 cluster sampling technique. A total of seven children aged 12-23 months were interviewed from each cluster on a preformed, pretested, and semi-structured questionnaire, thus giving a sample size of 210. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: More than two-thirds (69%) of study participants were completely vaccinated, whereas about 31% were partially or not vaccinated. Immunization coverage was found to be highest for BCG (80.4%) and lowest for the third dose of DPT (69.0%). The most common reason for partial or non-immunization was found to be unawareness (45.5%) and fear of side effects (43.9%). CONCLUSION: There is a need to create awareness and increase knowledge among caretakers of children about the importance and benefits of getting immunization for their children as a major step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goals.