Causes of Immunization Failure in Dpt Vaccination in Urban and Rural Areas of Peshawar

Objectives: To estimate coverage rate and factors associated with the failure of DPT vaccination in urban and rural areas of Peshawar. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 509 children in selected areas of Peshawar University, Peshawar Saddar, Naway Kalay and Pawaka Village. Parents were asked about demographics, the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccination status, reasons for not vaccination and their views on immunization. A separate questionnaire was made for 40 health personnel involved in immunization. The study was conducted from 9th to 20th of June 2010. Results: DPT complete immunization coverage was found to be 69.4%. The reasons quoted for non-immunization by parents/guardians were no awareness (25.81%), centre too far (21.29%), busy/family problems (22.58%), wrong idea/sterility (10.32%) and fear of reactions (1.29%) and others (11.61%). The EPI staff quoted lack of awareness among people, load shedding, poor transport, facilities, lack of timely availability of vaccines and security as the main problem in immunization. Conclusions: Our study revealed that low vaccination coverage was mainly due to low awareness among people and lack of knowledge regarding its importance. The main problems faced by the health personnel involved in immunization are lack of awareness among people, inadequate equipment and staff, security and lack of incentives.