CAUSES OF IMMUNIZATION FAILURE IN DPT VACCINATION IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS OF PESHAWAR
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives: To estimate coverage rate and factors associated with the failure of DPT vaccination in urban and rural
areas of Peshawar.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 509 children in selected areas of Peshawar
University, Peshawar Saddar, Naway Kalay and Pawaka Village. Parents were asked about demographics, the DPT
(Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccination status, reasons for not vaccination and their views on immunization. A
separate questionnaire was made for 40 health personnel involved in immunization. The study was conducted from
9th to 20th of June 2010.
Results: DPT complete immunization coverage was found to be 69.4%. The reasons quoted for non-immunization
by parents/guardians were no awareness (25.81%), centre too far (21.29%), busy/family problems (22.58%), wrong
idea/sterility (10.32%) and fear of reactions (1.29%) and others (11.61%). The EPI staff quoted lack of awareness
among people, load shedding, poor transport, facilities, lack of timely availability of vaccines and security as the
main problem in immunization.
Conclusions: Our study revealed that low vaccination coverage was mainly due to low awareness among people
and lack of knowledge regarding its importance. The main problems faced by the health personnel involved in
immunization are lack of awareness among people, inadequate equipment and staff, security and lack of incentives.
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