Immunization coverage among urban and rural children in the Shimla hills.

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional study was carried out to assess immunisation coverage among 257 urban and 339 rural children aged 13-36 months who were vaccinated at pulse polio booths in Shimla hills. 84.37% urban children and 57.59% rural children were fully vaccinated. BCG scar was negative in a large number of children, especially from rural areas. Increasing maternal education was associated with complete immunisation. OPV I-III dropouts were 3% among urban children and 15% among rural. The corresponding dropout rates for DPT I-III were 1% and 8% respectively. The immunisation coverage in this region was higher than others. Sustained efforts are required to achieve full immunisation coverage and eradicate polio and measles.