KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF VACCINE VIGILANCE AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
AbstractIntroduction: Adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are frequently underreported in India for numerous reasons, ultimately impacting the country’s immunisation program. The current study evaluates the knowledge, attitudes, and reporting practices (KAP) on vaccine vigilance among physicians in our hospital. Objectives: To find out various causes of Under-reporting of adverse events subsequent immunisation. Materials & Methods: Using a standard questionnaire, 200 doctors were interviewed. Responses were documented and analysed. Doctors had 37.8% knowledge while 68.9% had a good attitude but had poor reporting practices 34.6%. Results: Lack of knowledge, difficulty in filling reporting form, time constraints were the common causes for the under-reporting. Conclusion: Enhancing the perspective of AEFI, adequate training, and proactive involvement in reporting by healthcare practitioners could strengthen the nation’s vaccine surveillance system.