Fronda-Passion, J. A. P. (2013). Effect of the implementation of the pentavalent vaccination among infants in the Mangaldan Rural Health Unit-II, Municipality of Mangaldan, Pangasinan (Unpublished master's thesis). Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Graduate School of Public and Development Management Health Systems and Development Batch 3 Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

Pentavalent vaccine, which protects infants against five types of vaccine-preventable diseases, namely, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DPT), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), was introduced in 2010. From the previous eight separate injections, infants now received only six injections to become fully immunized. Recently, funds were provided to support its nationwide implementation among health centers. The purpose of this study was to describe the current status of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in the Municipality of Mangaldan, Pangasinan based on its target of maintaining at least 95% fully immunized child (FIC) coverage. Another aim was to study the effect of the implementation of the pentavalent vaccination among infants in the immunization coverage in the Rural Health Unit-II (RHU-II) of the said municipality. Finally, this study also aimed to recommend ways on how to achieve 95% FIC coverage upon the availability of the pentavalent vaccines. The study used document analyses of different laws, republic acts, administrative and department orders regarding EPI. DAta were gathered from the monthly, quarterly and annual Field Health Service Information System (FHSIS) reports from 2005 to 2013. In addition, an EPI coverage survey done in accordance to wHO guidelines was also conducted using a cluster sampling technique. It included visiting homes and examining immunization records of infants aged 12 months to 24 months, with mothers as interviewees for the reasons for immunization failure. As part of the implementation in the barangays, health education was given to both the health workers and the community. Feedback discussion with the RHU staff was carried out after. Based on data gathering and analyses, FIC coverage in Mangaldan RHU-II is low and never reached the goal of EPI of maintaining at least 95% FIC. Nonetheless, it showed an increase FIC from 2011 to 2012, after pentavalent vaccine was implemented in June 2012. Quarterly reports showed a relatively high %FIC compared to previous year of the same quarter, while monthly reports also showed increased FIC, however fluctuating. On the other hand, EPI coverage survey revealed that from the 216 children involved in the survey, only 80% were fully immunized before 1 year of age, while 94% were fully immunized up to 2 years of age, 6% were partially immunized, and no child was found to be not immunized at all. Top reasons for immunization failure are (1) unawareness of the need for immunization (17%); (2) unknown place and/or time of immunization (17%); (3) place of immunization too far to go (17%); (4) unawareness of the need for second or third dose (10%); and (5) postponement until another time (10%). One conclusion of the study was that upon the introduction and implementation of the pentavalent vaccine in Mangaldan RHU-II, FIC relatively increased, hence there is a relative increase in immunization coverage in the area; however, fluctuations in the FIC may be attributed to different factors. To maximize immunization coverage, there is a need for information dissemination and health education to both the health care providers and the community as well.