Introduction: Immunization programme has been a major cost-effective public health intervention for child survival.
Despite implementation of immunization programme since 1978 by Govt of India (GOI), the coverage of immunization
is not satisfactory due to various socio economic factors influencing vaccination coverage. Aim: To determine the
coverage and to identify the various factors influencing primary immunization in children. Methods: Hospital based
cross sectional study was conducted from January 2012 to September 2013 by interviewing parents of 2000 children of
1-2 yr age attending OPD and Children`s ward in Govt General Hospital, Kakinada, AP. Socio demographic factors and
details of immunization status of the children and the reasons for dropouts were noted. The child who received all
primary doses of BCG, DPT, Hepatitis B, OPV and Measles mentioned in National immunization schedule is considered
fully immunised. Child who missed even a single dose and who did not receive even a single dose of any vaccine is
considered partially immunised and un-immunised respectively. Percentages and Chi square test were used for statistical
analysis. Results: Overall, 1810 were fully immunised (90.5%), 186 were partially immunised (9.3%) and 4 were
unimmunised. Type of family and education of parents had a significant role in the immunization coverage of children
whereas gender, religion and residence of children were not found to have significant impact on immunization status.
Unwell child, lack of knowledge and migration to other places were found to be major contributing factors for poor
immunization. Conclusion: Regular health education of all sections of the community especially the mothers to increase
awareness of childhood immunization and addressing the issues of dropouts and poor accessibility is urgently required
for better and equitable coverage of across all regions of the country.