Assessment of Immunization Coverage and its Determinants Amongst Children in an Urban Area. Study Protocol of a Cross Sectional Study

Abstract* Introduction The country’s immunization rate is frequently below the international and national goals, and it is not distributed evenly. Children should be immunized for several reasons, chief among them being that it is the main defense against a variety of serious and frequently life-threatening illnesses. Every year, it prevents debilitating illness and disability and saves millions of lives throughout the world. The urban population in India is experiencing exponential growth. However, the public sector’s urban healthcare delivery system has encountered difficulties in keeping up with the rapid pace, exhibiting limitations in its reach and falling short of meeting the increasing demands. There is a need for government to pay attention at immunization rates and related variables in children (12–23 months) in the urban area. Objectives • To assess the overall immunization coverage rate for children in the urban area. • To assess the determinants associated with immunisation coverage in an urban area. • To explore healthcare access and infrastructure: Examine the availability and accessibility of healthcare facilities and vaccination services within the urban area. Method Information will be collected using semi- structured questionnaire in kobo collect tool. The parents of the child will be asked whether they have their immunization cards with complete immunization of their children. Study implications This study seeks to appraise the participant’s current immunization status with association to various determinants related to immunisation coverage. The study will also explore the availability of health infrastructure in association with immunization coverage. Furthermore, the gathered data may be utilized in further studies.