An Assessment of Immunization Coverage among the 0-24 Months Children and Awareness among Mothers in Urban Areas of Prakasam District Andhra Pradesh, India

Introduction: Immunization is the most powerful weapon against vaccine preventable diseases. Government of India is providing immunization services through Universal Immunization Programme to protect children from the most common diseases of childhood and to prevent childhood mortality and morbidity. Knowledge of mothers of beneficial children is a key factor influencing the utilization of services and the immunization among children. Objectives: This study is conducted: 1) To assess the immunization coverage in children of age group 0-24 months in Ongole urban slum areas.2) To assess the knowledge of mothers of these children regarding immunization. Methods: It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in Ongole city among 0-24 months Children and mothers of these children were considered and interviewed regarding the immunization coverage and their knowledge regarding vaccine preventable diseases by using a structured questionnaire. Results: Among total 120 children, 52 (46.6%) were completed 9 months, among them fully immunized were 39(75%), partially immunized were 11(21.2%) and non-immunized were 2(3.8%). It was observed that 37(30.8%) mothers have knowledge on at least 3 vaccine preventable diseases. The most correctly named vaccines against particular disease by the mothers were Oral Polio (100%), Tetanus Toxoid (45.8%) and Rotavirus (32.5%) whereas the least ones were Measles and Rubella (3.6%), Inactivated Polio Vaccine (3.6%), Pentavalent (0%) and Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (0%). Mean score on knowledge about vaccination found to be 2.11. Conclusion: Mothers/Care takers Education and awareness campaigns for behavioral change can improve immunization coverage