VACCINATION;

AWARENESS OF MOTHERS ABOUT THE EXPANDED PROGRAM FOR IMMUNIZATION

Abstract

Introduction: The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) is meant for the
control of common infectious microorganism. Objectives: To know the awareness among
the mothers and its relation with their education. Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Setting: Pediatric unit, Civil Hospital Bahawalpur. Period: June 15, 2015 to August 31, 2015.
Methods and Material: The mothers were interviewed by the researchers using a structured
questionnaire. Results: There were 100 mothers included in this study. Their mean age± SD
was 28.02± 7.468 years. Among the studied mothers 20 (20%) were having at least secondary
school certificate. There were 88 (88%) mothers who were house wives. Only 3 (3%) mothers
answered the correct number of vaccines used in EPI program. The awareness about individual
vaccine was in the range of 28%-33% except in polio it was 76% and in measles it was 61%.
The 40 (40%) mothers answered that EPI vaccines are safe and 37(37%) replied that these
are effective. The mother’s high education status was associated with better awareness about
EPI. Conclusion: There is lack of knowledge among mothers about EPI vaccination and the
mother’s high education status is associated with better awareness about EPI.