Primary immunization coverage among Migrant children in the age group of 12 to 23 months in Sriperumbudur Taluk, Kanchipuram District

Abstract

Background: Migrants carry with them a burden of health risks and public health implications due to their poverty, unequal access to social benefits including health care services like immunization. Aims & Objectives: To describe the socio-demographic profile and the primary immunization status of migrant children in the age group 12 to 23 months and also identify the various factors related to immunization failure if any in Sriperumbudur Taluk, Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu. Material & Methods: A community based cross sectional descriptive study was done among 173 migrant children in the age group of 12 to 23 months from 12 construction sites in the study area between July 2016 – September 2016. The data was collected using a pre-designed, structured questionnaire. Results: The age group of mothers varied from 18-39yrs. About 46 (26.6%) mothers were illiterate. Majority of the children 159 (91.9%) had a birth certificate. Almost all 171 (98.8%) children were having immunization card. Only one child was found to be partially immunized. Lack of time was found to be the reason for not taking the child for immunization. All others 172 (99.4%) were fully immunized. Conclusion: Awareness should be created among migrant workers regarding importance of immunization through regular health education activities.