Immunization practices amongst pediatricians: a postal survey.

A postal survey regarding immunization practices amongst pediatricians was conducted. Out of 250 contacted, 108 responded (43.2%). The responders consisted of senior pediatricians, out of which 31 were serving or were retired Professors of Pediatrics from various Medical Colleges (27.7%). The survey showed that 20.4% give 3 doses of OPV during the first year, 18.5% give 4 doses and 61.1% give 5 doses. Only 11.1% give one "booster" dose of OPV, 72.2% give 2, 13% give 3 and 3.7% give 4 or more "booster" doses. Only 11.1% give "booster" doses upto the age of 2 years, 76.9% upto 5 year, while 12% give "booster" doses beyond the age of 5 years--some upto 14 years of age. Thirty six per cent advice 4 weeks and 36.1% advice 4-6 weeks interval between 2 OPV doses. Nearly one fifth (22.7%) give BCG "booster" doses upto 5 years of age and 6.5 give "booster" to adolescents. Thirteen per cent give Measles/MMR vaccines booster dose beyond the age of 2 years upto 16 years. This study shows that pediatricians follow different schedules and regimes for almost all the vaccines. Often similar schedules are not practised by pediatricians working in the same institutions.