Childhood Immunization Coverage at a Tertiary Care Centre in South India Pre and Post COVID Lockdown - A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Childhood immunisation is the most cost effective method to prevent vaccine preventable diseases and decrease childhood morbidity mortality. COVID-19 pandemic has affected routine of children due various reasons. We aimed study attendance clinic at our tertiary care hospital prior during pandemic.
 Methods: Retrospective data monthly was collected for a period 30months, sub-grouped into - January 2019 March 2020 (pre-COVID) April June 2021 (during COVID). The caters from first day life till 18 years, as per National Immunisation Schedule (NIS). Trends in across months were studied. Statistical analysis employed test whether there significant reduction attendance.
 Results: Attendance 30 month 37418 children. Among these, 29879 received birth dose vaccines. This cohort excluded further deliveries continued maternity centre both periods study. Comparing recipients above age 6weeks 18years months, 6222 1502 pre-COVID COVID respectively. No child July national lockdown. Unpaired t-test showed highly comparison (p<0.001). had greatest affection among pentavalent centre.
 Conclusion: significantly hampered this highlighted by findings. Vaccination delay leaves young vulnerable an acute need increase awareness catch-up drives resurgence diseases.