Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Status of Vaccination Coverage in Children 24 Months to 6 Years in Urban and High Risk Areas Covered by Tehran University of Medical Sciences



Nikfarjam A1 ; Shamshiri AR2 ; Hasanpour Z3 ; Khalili M4
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Department of Community Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Communicable diseases prevention, deputy of health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Iranian Journal of Epidemiology Published:2016

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Children immunization program is one of the most successful and most cost-effective public health interventions and medical programs. The study was designed and conducted in order to assess the vaccination coverage in areas covered by Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study of children aged 24 months to 6 years living in urban areas and high-risk and marginal areas covered by TUMS. Six hundred and thirty children were sampled in 90 clusters in urban areas and cluster sampling as probability proportional to size sampling was performed in high risk areas and a sample size of 768 children was determined. The questionnaires were completed by interview. Results: In high risk 750 children (97.7%, 95% CI: 96.32-98.60%) and 616 children (97.8%, 95% CI: 96.3-98.78%) in urban areas had complete immunization histories. Furthermore, 98.4% of the Iranian children and 95.0% of foreign children (P=0.019) in marginal areas and 98.1% of the Iranian children and 92.1% of the foreign children (P=0.046) in urban areas had complete immunization histories.Ignorance of immunization program (%50) was addressed as the main reason for incomplete immunization. Conclusion: Universal mass vaccination coverage of the children and equal coverage in marginal and urban areas indicated the success of the authorities in the implementation of this program. Organizing training courses for mothers on the immunization program, providing the required facilities and services, monitoring and supervision of vaccination and also considering the immunization status of foreign children seem to be essential in maintaining and improving the existing status. © 2016, Iranian Epidemiological Association. All Rights Reserved.