Initiation of JE Vaccination-An Experience: A Mixed Method Study In A Tertiary Care Center of West Bengal, India

Background:JE is an emerging public health problem in India.JE vaccine has been incorporated in the National Immunization Schedule in India following mass vaccination. Objectives:To explore the experiences gathered during mass vaccination period in a tertiary care center. Methodology:A mixed method approach consisting of a cross-sectional survey and qualitative study was adopted. The qualitative study was included to obtain more in-depth understanding of the experiences and perspectives of frontline workers and the team leader in form of in depth interview of LMO of satellite center and FGDamong all PHNS involved in the activity. Result:Among 2437 vaccinees surveyed, majority belonged to 1-5 years age group followed by 6-10 years.Only half of the caregivers of surveyed population knew the purpose of vaccination and 6%perceived that the vaccine prevents ‘Dengue’. No AEFI was reported during and one months following the mass vaccination.Qualitative approach revealed huge enthusiasm among the people about the vaccine, lack of staff and space to cater large age group section and inappropriate rush during the vaccination sessions and impairment of routine vaccination during the mass vaccination period. Conclusion:Thoroughly planned systematic IEC activities and prior deployment and orientation of staffs are pre requisites for conducting suchlarge scale mass vaccination programme.