title: Comparative study of out-reach immunization strategies in rural area.
abstract: Efficiency of out-reach immunization strategies operationalised in a rural area of district Ambala (Haryana) was evaluated. Till year 1984-85 immunization delivery was 'sporadic'. Annual cluster immunization campaigns were conducted during 1985-86 and 1986-87. This comprised of delivery of oral polio vaccine (OPV) and/or measles once in a year to all eligible children, other vaccine continued to be delivered by health workers during routine beats. Regular immunization sessions were undertaken in 1987-88 and 1988-89. All the vaccines were delivered on 4 fixed days (one day per week) of each month, covering village at least once a month. Significant increase in immunization coverage was observed after cluster campaigns. OPV increased from 46.5 to 73.6%, DPT from 49.1 to 75.5%, BCG from 48.7 to 72.2%, measles from 8.6 to 45.8% and tetanus toxoid (TT) for pregnant women (PW) from 41.8 to 65.3%. Under regular programme the coverage levels were maintained at OPV 79.4%, DPT 78.2%, BCG 70.6%, measles 48% and TT (PW) 76.2%. Regular out-reach immunization strategy was found to be better than cluster campaigns as it was 'regular' and high coverage level could be maintained.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Khosla
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kumar
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000379:methods*; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012424:Rural Population; D014611:Vaccination