Determinants of Incomplete Age-Appropriate Routine Immunization Among Children Aged birth to 59 Months in Gangapur Taluka, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Routine childhood immunization prevents vaccine-preventable diseases, yet inequalities linked to maternal education, social category and geographic access may result in incomplete immunization. Objective: To assess reported age-specific routine immunization coverage and its association with social category, maternal education and distance from public health facilities among children in Gangapur Taluka, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study of 450 children was conducted. Data on age, residence, vaccination coverage at scheduled visits, social category, maternal education and distance from the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) or subcentre were analysed descriptively. Results: Of 450 children, 73.3% were rural and 26.7% urban. Reported coverage declined from 98% at birth to 80% at 6 weeks, 60% at 10 weeks, 58% at 14 weeks, 50% at 9 months and 40% at 18 months. Coverage was 90% (Open category), 82% (OBC), 68% (SC) and 58% (ST). Coverage rose with maternal education (50% below 10th standard, 70% above 10th, 86% graduate and above). Children living within 5 km of a PHC/subcentre had higher coverage. Conclusion: Inequalities in immunization coverage by social category, maternal education and distance from facilities were observed. Targeted interventions for disadvantaged groups are warranted.