In India: Target the Mom; jab the kid

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http://pediatrics.medscape.com/reuters/prof/2000/11/11.28/20001127epid008.html

Childhood Immunization Rates Improving in India DELHI (Reuters Health) Nov 27 - Nearly 90% of children in India have received some immunization, and 63% are fully immunized, according to a report in the November issue of Indian Pediatrics. Drs. Padam Singh and R. J. Yadav, from the Indian Council of Medical Research in New Delhi, conducted a study of 18,985 children from 90 districts in India. The bulk of the survey was conducted between June and October 1999. Overall, 88% of children received the first dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT) and oral polio vaccine (OPV), 85% received the first two doses and 81% received all three doses. Eighty-six percent received BCG vaccine and 67% received the measles vaccine. By 23 months of age 63% of the children received a!

ll vaccines recommended (BCG, DPT, polio and measles). In 27% of the cases, children were partially immunized and 10% were completely unimmunized. The researchers observed that the immunization coverage was greater in urban areas (71.7%) and among children of mothers who were literate. Lack of motivation, lack of information and distance from the nearest health facility were the main reasons for nonimmunization. The coverage levels have increased from 53% in 1997, as reported in a previous study, to 63% in the present study, the researchers say. "It was heartening to note that the immunization services available in the country have touched nearly 90% of the target children," the researchers write. "Literacy of mother is the key to the success of the Universal Immunization Programme. Hence, efforts should be made to have information, education and communication activities targeted to educate the mother, especially in rural are!

as." Drs. Padam Singh and Yadav write. "The tribal, small and inaccessible villages and the states of Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and northeastern states (combined) should be especially focused on." Indian Pediatr 2000;37:1194-1199.