The universal immunization programme coverage and determining factors among tribal children under the age of five in the Wayanad district of Kerala, South India

Background: Globally an estimated two to three million deaths occur every year in all age groups, from six major vaccine-preventable diseases and accounts for almost a quarter of all deaths in children under the age of five years. As Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective methods for preventing infectious diseases, the Indian government initiated a vaccination programme to reduce infant mortality and morbidity owing to vaccine-preventable diseases, and achieve vaccine self-sufficiency. In Kerala, about 1.5% of the total population makes up Scheduled Tribes, a socioeconomic group with continuously poor health indicators. Methods: Through a community-based cross-sectional study using cluster sampling technique, this study intends to determine the coverage of the universal immunization programme among tribal children (0-59 months), the factors affecting vaccination coverage as well as the reasons for partial immunization in Noolpuzha Panchayat, Wayanad. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from caregivers/mothers. Results: Out of 289 study population, 64.4% were fully immunized and 35.6% were partially immunized. Children's age and the father's education were found to affect immunization. Conclusions: As a lack of knowledge about immunizations and subsequent doses was the primary reason for partial immunization. There is a need to create awareness about the importance of vaccination and the subsequent doses among the tribal people of Wayanad.