Barriers for measles rubella vaccination campaign in rural area of Jammu: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Measles is a highly contagious virus, spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Like measles, rubella can be prevented with a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine. This can be delivered as a rubella vaccine alone, or combined with measles vaccine (MR) or with measles and mumps vaccines (MMR). The objectives of the study were to analyze the barriers for acceptance of MR vaccination in the field area of New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Miran Sahib, one of the NTPHC of CHC R. S. Pura, field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, GMC Jammu.

Methods: A qualitative study which consisting of interviews of parents of children both vaccinated as well as unvaccinated as well as teachers and principals of children of various government and private schools, Female Multipurpose Health Worker (FMPHW)s, accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers and Anganwadi workers where the campaign was conducted was also interviewed.

Results: The major barrier to acceptance of MR vaccination was wrong message conducted through some social media that it results in deaths of some children in various places, and also the messages spread in some religions like in Muslim community that the Vaccine leads to infertility. But the sensitization meetings with the parents, school staff by the health team prior to vaccination played a major role and results in the vaccine coverage of 95%.

Conclusions: Before eliminating MR, there are many barriers which are needed to be addressed.