A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE BARRIERS AGAINST THE IMMUNIZATION FOR DELAYED VACCINATION AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

Ramakrishna Shabaraya A., Febina Razak* and Sudhamshu K. Tantry

ABSTRACT

Immunization is essential for public health, effectively reducing illness and death from Vaccine Preventable
Diseases. Mothers play a crucial role in ensuring their children complete the full vaccination on time. Achieving a
95% immunization coverage rate is essential for sustained control of vaccine-preventable diseases. Assessing a
child's immunization status helps evaluate progress towards program objectives, identifying gaps, and improving
service delivery to achieve high and equitable immunization rates. As the immunization coverage is not uniform in
India, this study aimed to identify the barriers against the immunization for delayed vaccination and missed
opportunities affecting the immunization status. A prospective observational study at communities in Mangalore
for 6 months involving 161 mothers of children under 5 years of age. Using pre-validated questionnaire, the
barriers against immunization were assessed. “Forgetfulness about immunization dates or times” (27.2%) was
found to be the major reason for delayed immunization. 66 (41%) children experienced delayed immunization. The
present study concludes that the barrier against the immunization for incomplete or delayed vaccination and missed
opportunities were forgetfulness, child health and the fear of side effects. Information dissemination through
Patient Information Leaflets (PIL), promoting the use of immunization cards, employing reminders for vaccination
dates, and encouraging communication with healthcare professionals can enhance vaccination rates, ultimately
benefiting the health of future generations.

Keywords: Immunization, Vaccine Preventable Disease, Barriers, Patient Information leaflets, Immunization status.