Assessment of Immunization Coverage Among Different Age Groups of Students in Peri-Urban Setting in Lahore

Abstract

Background: Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions for reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, yet disparities in vaccine uptake persist in peri-urban and underserved populations. Objective: To assess complete Expanded Programme on Immunization coverage among students aged 5-23 years in a peri-urban area of Lahore and to examine its association with age group, gender, parental education, sibling number, and distance from the nearest vaccination center. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2025 in Mustafa Abad, Lahore, among 350 students enrolled in government educational institutions. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, vaccination cards where available, and caregiver verification when needed. Immunization status was classified as complete or incomplete age-appropriate EPI history. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test. Results: Overall, 327 of 350 students were completely immunized, giving a coverage of 93.43%. The highest coverage was observed among students aged 5-10 years (96.72%), followed by those aged 16-18 years (93.18%), 11-15 years (93.02%), and 19-23 years (91.67%). Gender, parental education, and sibling number showed descriptive variation but no statistically significant association with immunization status. Distance from the nearest vaccination center was significantly associated with complete immunization (χ² = 22.24, p < 0.001), with coverage declining to 76.74% among students living more than 10 km away. Conclusion: Immunization coverage in this peri-urban student population was high overall, but physical access to vaccination services remained a key determinant of complete vaccine uptake.