STUDY THE VACCINATION STATUS OF INFANTS UNDER 1 YEAR OF AGE IN TWO TEACHING HOSPITALS OF LAHORE

Background: Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material (a vaccine) to produce immunity against a disease. Vaccine can prevent the effects of infection by many pathogens. Objectives: The overall objective of the EPI is reduction of mortality and morbidity from the eight EPI diseases by offering immunization services. With this objective, the Program started in Pakistan in 1978 and is still continuing. The program is evaluated at intervals of 2-3 years. Methodology: A questionnaire was designed by the students. Data was collected from mothers with child up to 1 year of age by visiting outdoor patients and pediatrics ward. A total of 300 children of both sexes were included. Data was collected about age and sex of child, knowledge and source of vaccination, BCG scar mark and history of number of injections for vaccination. Questions were asked from mothers regarding their education, father’s occupation and monthly income. Results: There were total 300 children. Out of these, 258 were vaccinated and 42 were not vaccinated. 57.67% (173) were males and 42.33% (127) were females. 73.3% children had the BCG Mark. 92.7% mothers had knowledge about vaccination. Conclusion: We concluded that the EPI coverage of infants coming to Sharif Medical Hospital OPD and wards is quite low, as compared to that set by the government target. Keyword: Vaccination, Infants, EPI, Immunity, Vaccine