Evaluation of vaccination coverage in children under 6 year-old

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination is the most effective tool in prevention of lethal infective diseases in children. In this survey, vaccination coverage in children under 6 years were evaluated.

Methods: This research was a descriptive-analytic study on 308 children aged <6 year-old in Isfahan. The cases were randomly selected. Demographic characteristics of the family and actual vaccination schedules of children were collected. Chi-square test, fissure test and t test were used for analysis of data.

Results: The findings of the research showed a descending trend in DPT vaccination rates of the first, second and third dosage by age in both age groups of 0-2 years and 2-6 years. Its first booster dose declined from 96.3% in the first DPT to 51.1% in the second one. In 2-6 year-old children, DPT vaccination declined from 91.8% in the first booster dose to 29.3% in the second one. For polio and hepatitis vaccinations, the rate declined from 96.3% to 51.1% in the first booster dose.

Conclusion: Although the coverage of children vaccination in the first year was actually perfect, it declined after the first year of age and noticeable delays were seen in booster vaccinations.