Operationalizing Intensification of Routine Immunization: a simulation, interventional pilot study in four selected rural health Sub-Centres and one urban health Sub centre – experiences from Jharkhand; North India

Government of India (GOI) declared 2012-13 as the year of Intensification of Routine Immunization (IRI) for rapidly raising the coverage in needy states/districts and blocks depicted by DPT3 coverage as per DLHS 3 2007-08. This simulation pilot study was conducted with the objective of operationalizing one of the key strategies of conducting 4 Immunization Weeks (IWs) in 4 successive months and to share the operational impact for statewide application in Jharkhand. Method comprised intervention with enumeration format for enumerating cum line-listing and 4 in 1 format for preparing subcentre level micro-plan blended with supportive supervision, data collection/analysis/providing technical assistance and feedback. Results were encouraging with significant rise in vaccination coverage: in the rural area, BCG coverage rose from 89 to 98%, DPT 3 from 75 to 99%, Measles 1st dose from 78 to 93%, DPT Booster from 58 to 86%, OPV booster from 44 to 85% and Measles 2nd dose from 41 to 84%. In the urban area all three rose to 68%; DPT booster from 33%, OPV booster from 19% and Measles 2nd dose from 12%.