Immunization coverage for obligatory vaccinations among children of arar, Northern Saudi Arabia

Background: Immunization against childhood diseases is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available, and has saved the lives of millions of children in the last 3 decades. Objective: To estimate the level of immunization coverage for obligatory vaccinations, Among children of Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study was a community based cross-sectional survey. The study was conducted within communities in six randomly chosen departments in Arar city. The study population comprised of households with children under preschool age. Data was collected with a pretested, interviewer administered questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 2 sections; section one: the socio-demographic characteristics and section two; the immunization status of the children. Results: The total coverage of "at birth" vaccination is 99.2%. 2nd month's vaccination was totally covered. 4th months vaccines were 99.2% covered. 6th month vaccines were totally covered. 9th month was 99.2% covered. 12th month was 98.3% covered (higher in females than males). 18th month was 99.1% covered. 24th month was 95.6% covered and pre-school age was 92.3% covered (higher in males). Subsequently it was revealed that 89.7% of children were fully immunized, one missed vaccine (6.9%), two missed vaccines (1.7%), three missed vaccines (0.9%) and four missed vaccines (0.9%) among the studied children, Arar, Saudi Arabia, 2016. Conclusion: The immunization coverage in the study population is high compared to that of other studies. Policy makers should hold health education campaigns to rise parents and general public awareness to avoid dropout doses, and hence encourage them to complete the immunization of their children.