Background: Immunization, a powerful and cost effective intervention against vaccine preventable diseases needs to be sustained with higher coverage for desired benefits. Despite the ongoing Universal Immunization Programme, the immunization coverage in India is low. Objectives: To determine the immunization status of children aged 1-6 years, to study its association with various sociodemographic factors and the reasons for partial and no immunization. Methods: This prospective study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in Ahmedabad, India. Sociodemographic data and immunization history were recorded in a structured proforma. Children were classified as being completely, partially or unimmunized based on the vaccines (as per National Immunization Schedule) received as applicable for age. Results: Of the 608 enrolled children, 467 (76.8 %) were fully immunized, 134 (22 %) partially immunized and 7 (1.2 %) were unimmunized. 87.8 % children had complete primary immunization up to first measles containing vaccine. Lower socioeconomic status, home delivery, birth order more than 2, low maternal education and occupation status were found to be significant risk factors (p<0.05) for incomplete immunization. With increasing age, immunization coverage decreased (p=0.047). The most common causes for incomplete immunization and no immunization were lack of knowledge about subsequent doses (31.8%) and lack of awareness of immunization (55.6%) respectively. Conclusion: The immunization coverage of children attending a tertiary care hospital needs to be improved. Special attention on increasing the coverage of booster doses and creating awareness in the groups who are at high risk of being incompletely immunized is required.
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