Immunization Coverage of Children and its Associated Factors in
Chennai, India

Glory Lilly Christy R 1, Dr. Vijayalakshmi K2*, Dr. LathaVenkatesan L 3, Dr Nesa Sathya
Satchi4.
Page No. 26-35

Abstract:Childhood immunization is one of the most valuable public health interventions available
for preventing childhood morbidity and mortality. Periodic assessments of immunization status and
its associated factors plays a major role in immunization coverage of the children. This study was
conducted to assess the Immunization Coverage of Children and its associated factors in Chennai,
India Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted among 260 under five children who
were selected using purposive sampling technique, in 2020-21 in Chennai, India. Children below
the age of 5 years were included in the study. Data were collected from the mothers of children by
interviews at their homes using a pretested, predetermined and structured questionnaire. Collected
data is entered in Excel and analyzed in SPSS 20 using appropriate descriptive ( f, %) and
inferential statistics (chi square test). Results: Regarding immunization coverage, majority of the
children were fully immunized in time (84%), followed by delayed immunization (11%) and only 5%
were non immunized.There was no sociodemographic variation related to immunization coverage.
Reasons reported by the mothers for the delayed or non-immunization were, Child was sick at the
time of immunization (26.8%), Mother being too busy (17.1%), Mothers is ill on the appointment
day (17.1%), Child too young for immunization (premature/underweight-14.7%), Forgotten or no
vaccination appointments (12.2%) and fear of side effects at the time of immunization (9.7%).
Collected data is entered in Excel and analyzed in SPSS 20 using appropriate descriptive ( f & %,)
and inferential statistics (chi square test). Conclusion: Educating mothers about immunization
focusing on its benefits and cost effectiveness, strengthening outreach services, community
engagement, and various strategies should be planned to enhance the immunization coverage.
Keywords: Children, Immunization Coverage, Associated Factors, Reasons