Immunisation falls 31% as Covid keeps parents from hosps
From April to June this year, there has been a drop by 31 per cent in immunisation of children in the country due to lockdown and fear of Covid-19. This was disclosed in the Lok Sabha by the central ministry of health and family welfare.
Immunisation schedules could not be followed as there was no information on whether children’s hospitals, public health centres and government children's hospitals were open and conducting the immunisation programmes.
Many skipped their children’s schedules and a lot of cases of delayed immunisation are noted in children up to five years of age.
Dr Ravi Kumar, professor and senior paediatrician at Niloufer children’s hospital, explained: “Government hospitals and public health centres for immunisation were open but many people were not aware of it. Many others did not have the transport facilities to reach the centres. Hence only those in and around the hospitals came for immunisation. We have a separate section for them so that safety pathways are maintained.”
Those residing on the outskirts of the city areas are dependent on paediatricians in their locality and faced a major challenge as these small clinics did not function. Many small clinics are not operational even now as they cannot afford the costs of protection gear and the safety protocols to be followed for Covid-19.
With the doctors not available and guidelines released by the World Health Organisation, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the state government, there was confusion among doctors and the public at large.
From March till April 15, immunisation saw a sharp drop as there was no movement at all. It was only when concerns were raised by WHO that a rise in nonCovid 19 diseases is imminent if immunisation is not followed that new guidelines were issued by ICMR and state governments.
This also led to private hospitals following up with patients via tele counselling on safe vaccination programmes at home and hospitals.
Dr Preeti Sharma, senior paediatrician at KIMS hospital, told Deccan Chronicle, “Till date, it is taking a lot of convincing to assure parents of the safety of their children and the immunisation doses. Many of them are not willing to give the doses as they are not sure if hospitals are safe. For this reason, home vaccination programmes have started but still the takers are very few.”
Cost is one of the major factors as an ambulance and healthcare workers have to be sent home. This is a deterrent for those who cannot afford it.
Many private hospitals have developed a separate out-patient section for immunisation. Dr Faisal Nahdi, senior pediatrician at Rainbow hospitals stated “From April 15, after the fresh guidelines were issued, we have made a dedicated effort to reach out to maximum people and give them confidence in a safe immunisation programme. There is a separate section for these children and maximum care is taken. This has given confidence to parents and they are coming forward to opt for immunisation.”
Delayed cases are being redressed now but the schedules have seen a delay of three to six months. The missed cases will be known only as and when diseases are reported, which will provide a clear picture.