Abstract

Objective: To access the routine vaccination coverage of children age 6-23 months and to evaluate mothers’ knowledge and perception about the child vaccination.
Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted in district Faisalabad, Pakistan from March 20 to April 15, 2015. The sample size comprised of 492 respondents. The data were collected from four randomly selected Tehsils in the district Faisalabad. Interview schedule was employed with a questionnaire using 30 household cluster for Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The mothers who had a child with age 6 to 23 month were interviewed and assessment was based on both mother’s recall and EPI cards.
Results: It was found that 81.7% mothers had EPI cards of their children. The BCG and Pentavalent 3rd dose coverage was found in 90.6% and 85%, respectively. The coverage of 2nd dose of measles was found only 64.3%. 79.67% children were immunized up to date and 9.35% were found unvaccinated. Education of mothers (P>0.000), education of fathers (p>0.000) and income of household (p>0.01) were significantly associated with age appropriate child vaccination coverage
Conclusion: We found that almost one child out of ten is still unvaccinated in the study area. The 64 percent of 2nd dose of the measles coverage exposed the discontinuity and gaps in adoption of the child vaccination among higher age group children.

Key words: EPI cards, child vaccination, BCG, pentavalent and measles