1. Jamal Anwer 2. M.I.Babar 3. Kifayat Niazi 4. Zahid Mahmood

1. Asstt. Prof. of Paediatrics 2. Asstt. Prof. of Paediatrics 3 & 4. PG Students of Paediatrics,  Sheikh Zayed Medical College & Hospital, Rahim Yar khan

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the EPI status in children <1 year of age and the status of Tetanus immunization in their mothers attending paediatric department. This will help us to determine the facts and figures in our population and to construct a plan to improve the vaccination status.   

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Sheikh Zayed Medical College & Hospital, Rahim Yar khan from April 2011 to July 2011.

Materials and Methods: In the study 492 consecutive children whether admitted in the ward or visited in Paediatric OPD and their mothers were inquired about EPI status in the child and the status of Tetanus immunization in their mothers, strictly following the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:  Out of 492 patients, we have found three groups. Group 1 includes those children who were unvaccinated. Group 2 includes those children who were incompletely vaccinated. Group 3 include those who were completely vaccinated according to EPI schedule. Similarly three groups were found in mothers. Group 1 includes those who were unvaccinated. Group 2 includes incompletely vaccinated ladies. Group 3 include those who were completely vaccinated according to EPI schedule.   

Conclusion: In our study, we found that EPI status is very poor in our low socioeconomic and illiterate population. Those people living in peripheries and remote areas are particularly not properly following the EPI programme.  

Key Words:  EPI (Expanded Program on Immunization), Immunization, Vaccines, Tetanus, Tetanus Toxoid(TT)