Abstract

Vaccine preventable diseases are the major global health problem which contributes to morbidity and mortality of less than 5 years child population. But, the immunization coverage worldwide is below the target. Therefore, the study was aimed at immunization coverage of 12 to 23 months old children in Areka Town, Sothern Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study conducted from 10th March to 19th June 19, 2016 in Areka Town, Sothern Ethiopia. Data on 173 children aged 12 to 23 months from 173 households selected using a systematic random sampling. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20. The result presented in the all tables and figures. The study showed that, 130(75.4%) fully vaccinated and 93(53.6%) vaccinated during immunization campaigns. The sources of information for 39(22.5%) were radio and television. 22(12.9%) missed vaccine appointment day and 13(7.7%) interrupted vaccine program. Of the vaccinated children, 166(96.2%) vaccinated for Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG), 138(80%) vaccinated for oral polio vaccine (OPV) 0, 172 (99.2%) OPV1, Penta1 and PCV1, 165(95.4%) vaccinated for OPV2, Penta2 and PCV2, 161(92.9%) vaccinated for OPV3, Penta3 and PCV3, and 158(91.5%) vaccinated for measles. The dropout rate from BCG to measles was 4.7%.Therefore, continuous support and health education at the community level is recommended.

Key words: Immunization, Areka, children, oral polio vaccine (OPV), Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG).