“Vaccine Literacy and Vaccination Practices Among Parents of Under 5 Children in Slum Areas of a City”

Background: Immunization against vaccine preventable diseases(VPDs) helps to reduce the morbidity and mortality in under 5 children. Despite the high immunization coverage through the Universal Immunization Programme and Mission Indradhanush, many children in urban slums remain under-immunized. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from 15th August to 15th September 2024 among 1074 mothers of under-five children residing in five urban slums under the Urban Health Training Centre of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Data was collected during house-to-house visits using a pretested structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic information, knowledge about vaccines and vaccination practices and reasons for age-inappropriate vaccination was administered. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, applying Chi-square tests with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: The majority of mothers (67%) were between 25–35 years and 86% were homemakers. While 93% of children received age-appropriate vaccination but knowledge regarding vaccines was poor. Only 54% of mothers were aware about vaccines prevent disease and just 11% were aware of the correct age for completion of vaccination. Awareness was highest for OPV (88%) and BCG (45%) but very low for PENTA (9%), PCV (4%), and ROTA (13%). Misconceptions were common, with 71% believing vaccines should not be given during mild illness. A significant association was observed between sex of the child and vaccination coverage, with males more likely to be age-appropriately vaccinated (p=0.011). Conclusion : Knowledge of mothers about efficacy of vaccine ,age of completion of vaccination and side effects was poor. Continuing IEC activities, with focus on individual vaccines, schedules, and side effects, along with adequate training of health workers, is recommended to improve awareness and sustain immunization practices.