ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatitis B, a vaccine preventable infection is one of the important causes of morbidity in India. The risk of acquiring the infection is more among the health care providers like nurses than in general population as they come in close contact with patients. The study has been done to know the sociodemographic profile, vaccination status along with the knowledge about the disease and the factors determining the acceptance of vaccination among nursing staff of KPC Medical College in West Bengal.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the 284 nursing staff of KPC Medical College and Hospital in November to December, 2018 with the help of pre-designed and semi-structured questionnaire. Data on demographic characteristics, knowledge, occupational exposure, vaccination status and factors for acceptance of vaccine etc. were collected and analysed.Results: 86% nursing staff received vaccination out of which 71% were completely vaccinated, 29% were partially and 14% were non vaccinated. The acceptable knowledge was found in 84% of the nurses. The major reason of vaccination was to protect themselves from infection and the major reason for non-acceptance was time limitation, cost issues etc. Accidental prick was found in 5% of the nurses and universal precautionary measure was taken by 98% of the nurses.Conclusions: In spite of availability of safe, effective and cheap vaccine against hepatitis B infection, 29% of nursing staff were partially vaccinated and 14% were non-vaccinated. There should be a mandatory vaccination at the beginning of their training and frequent educational and awareness programme for them on hepatitis B.
ABSTRACT
Background: Universal Immunization Programme was launched by Government of India in 1985 with the aim of immunizing all children and pregnant women across the country free of cost. However high vaccine wastage and lack of proper vaccine management could not meet the demand and increased the cost.Methods: A descriptive record based study was conducted in the immunization clinic of KPC Medical College and Hospital. Vaccination records of all children and pregnant women attending clinic from 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019 was retrieved from the immunization registers.Results: Wastage rate was found to be highest for bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine vaccine (68.9%) and lowest for oral polio vaccine (27.7%). Wastage rate was higher for 10 dose vial vaccine compared to 5 dose vial and 20 dose vial vaccine and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.00001).The wastage rate was higher for lyophilized vaccine compared to liquid vaccine and for injectable vaccine compared to oral vaccine. These differences were also statistically significant (p<0.00001).Conclusions: Thus regular monitoring of immunization sessions should be done to estimate the vaccine wastage in each session. Reducing wastage is expected to increase the quality and efficiency of the programme and also reduce the cost without compromising the coverage.