FREQUENCY OF VACCINATION IN CHILDREN WITH MEASLES

Background: Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by single stranded RNA Paramyxo virus. Humans are the only natural host. Epidemics of the disease may occur. Measles vaccination is important for its prevention. The objective of this study was to find out the frequency of vaccination in children suffering from measles. Materials Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Paediatric Unit of Women and Children Teaching Hospital, Bannu Medical College, Bannu, from November 2014 to February 2015. One hundred children with measles were taken both from indoor and outdoor patients department. Both males and females up to 15 years of age were included in the study. Clinical record along with vaccination status was recorded. The data was analyzed. Results: Among 100 children, 2(2%) were under 6 months and were all males. Age group 6 months to one year included 17(17%) males and 11(11%) females. Among the age group 1-5 years, 40(40%) were males and 21(21 %) females. Age group 5-15 years included 7(7%) males and 2(2%) females. Total number of males was 66(66%) and females were 34(34%) with male to female ratio was 1.9:1. Among 100 children suffering from measles, only 7(7%) were vaccinated and 93(93%) were un-vaccinated. Conclusion: Measles is common in un-vaccinated children. It is strongly recommended that all the children should be vaccinated against measles