Measles, Immunisation and Disease: Situation Analysis in a Resettlement Area of Northern India

Abstract

India has a goal of covering all infants with measles immunisation between 9-12 months. The present study was conducted in a resettlement area of east Delhi, with a population of nearly one lac, to assess the extent of measles immunisation and infection among children aged under three years. All the 21 blocks of the area were covered and 10% households were selected by systematic random sampling from each of the blocks to provide 944 households and 517 under-3 children, who were individually examined by a doctor. Two hundred and eighty one children aged 12 months or above were immunised at or after 9 months giving a coverage of 74.14%. Among the immunised children 7.78% and 8.36% were vaccinated before and after the recommended age-range (9-12 months) respectively. One fifth of the children aged 12 months or above were not immunised against measles at all. Among the surviving under-3 children, no child suffered measles before 6 months but 11.86% of the children had measles between 6-8 months. Six children were vaccinated even after measles episode and seven children had measles even after immunisation. Systematic community contact and special attention to resistant and hostile parents is important in order to accomplish 100% coverage. In view of the sizeable proportion of measles infection among the age group of 6-8 months, there is a case for bringing forward the recommended age for measles immunisation, if we are to eradicate the disease.