KNOWLEDGE REGARDING VACCINATION AMONG THE MOTHERS ATTENDING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE, GOVT. MEDICAL COLLEGE, NAHAN, HIMACHAL PRADESH.

Background: Universal immunization against major vaccine-preventable diseases is one of the most cost-effective means of reducing under-five child morbidity and mortality. Objective: The present study was done with the objective of assessment of knowledge regarding vaccination among the mothers of Under five children. Material and methods: This study includeda total of 105 mothers attending the MCH (Maternal and Child Health Centre), attached to the medical college, Nahan, Himachal Pradesh. The data were collected by using a structured questionnaire including demographic variables and questions related to the knowledge regarding vaccination. Results: Almost 91.4% mothers were aware of vaccination that vaccines are important to prevent the vaccine preventable diseases. 54% were not able to tell even a name of single vaccine. Study revealed that the 57.1% of the mothers quoted that their source of information related to the vaccination was health worker of nearest health centres. Study shows the significant association between the level of mother?s education and socio economic status with the knowledge score of the mothers. Conclusion: Most of the mothers were aware of vaccination but very few were able to tell the name of vaccines. Mothers were also not aware about the newer vaccines introduced in the schedule i.e. Rotavac. There is still need of strengthening the maternal and child health services to improve the overall health of the child.