Background: The aim of this study is to assess the childhood immunization uptake and its determinants among the internal migrant population living in nonnotified slums of Hyderabad City, India.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study of 768 rural-urban migrant mothers with a child under 2 years of age residing for period minimum of 30 days, but not more than 10 years. Data were collected for sociodemographic details, health-seeking behavior, antenatal, postnatal services, and reception of vaccines appropriate for age.
Results: Full immunization coverage among the children of migrants was same as the general population of the State of Telangana (66.7%). The likelihood of child's reception of full immunization decreases with age of the mother and rose with the attainment of higher education. The head of household of salaried class, expectant mothers utilizing antenatal services, and the visit of postnatal health worker for counseling of expectant mothers, were significantly associated with reception of full immunization. Immunization coverage rates of children of 12-23 months age is lower than the general population of Telangana. The frequency of visits by health worker is low.
Conclusion: Immunization uptake among the migrants and vulnerable segments of the population can be increased by locating new settlements, improving utilization of services and capacity building of health staff.
Keywords: Children; healthcare; immunization; migration; urban slums.