Prevalence of missed opportunities for measles immunization in rural areas of Gujarat

To assess the prevalence of missed opportunities for measles immunization, reason for their occurrence and potential aspect of avoiding them on measles immunization coverage a cross sectional study in 40 clusters of 4 villages, Ardi, Valasan, Chikhodra and Bamroli having a population of twenty four thousand was carried out. A total of 300 children between the age group 9–24 months were included in the study. Immunization status of each child was recorded either from immunization card or maternal recall. Coverage for measles vaccine was 78.66%. Prevalence of missed opportunity was 15.33%. It was found that significant increase in measles coverage can be achieved upto 94% if all missed opportunities for measles vaccine are avoided.