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BackgroundStudies have shown that while training has significant potential in improving the knowledge and skills of healthcare staff, the beneficial effect of training may decline with time. Studies have emphasized the role of assessment in understanding the relevance of the training structure and content and employing course correction as per the need. Besides, there is a lack of literature on the assessment of the level of knowledge retention among the participants. This study aims to conduct an assessment study to determine the level of knowledge retention.MethodsThe study was conducted among frontline health workers who received training on the rotavirus vaccine introduction. Assessments were conducted at a gap of one month and twelve months after the intervention. Simple percentages were used to compare the level of knowledge retention and McNemar’s chi-square test to determine P values.ResultsThis is the first study conducted in India to assess the retention of knowledge 12 months after the new vaccine introduction training of health care professionals. The study comprised 41 participants who demonstrated an increase in the level of knowledge retention at the end of 1-month; however, a decline in the knowledge retention was seen at 12-months. For the issue of missed second dose among children who received the first dose, an increase in knowledge level and retention was observed.ConclusionThe study results showed that a time-bound decline in knowledge retention occurs. The authors recommend regular monitoring, refresher training to supplement the primary training.

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of training workshops for knowledge enhancement of program managers prior to rotavirus vaccine (RVV) introduction in the routine immunization program.MethodThe study was conducted among the participants attending two training workshops for the introduction of RVV; a state workshop in Pune and a regional workshop in Guwahati. The participants who attended the workshops and participated in both the pre and post-test - 53 for Guwahati and 59 for Pune. Data was collected in real-time via pre-post-test.ResultsIn both workshops, a comparison of pre-test and post-test scores of all questions taken together showed a significant increase in the knowledge level of the participants (pConclusionsA pre-planned and well-designed knowledge assessment tool can be used to understand the impact of training workshops in enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of the participants prior to the introduction of a new vaccine.

BackgroundUnderstanding the perception and concerns of people about COVID-19 vaccine in developing and populous country like India will help in understanding demand for the vaccine and further tailoring out public health information and education activities before the launch of the vaccine. The study was carried out to assess the present state of knowledge people have about the probable vaccine for COVID-19, to know the preferences of respondents about this vaccine and to learn the expectations and apprehensions of people about features of this prospective COVID-19 vaccine residing in the capital city of India.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the residents of Delhi, India from July-October 2020. Both offline and online interview method was used to collect date from 513 participants representing various occupational strata. Data was collected on socio demographic variable, vaccine acceptance and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsAmong the study population 79.5% said they will take the vaccine while 8.8% said they were not going to take the vaccine and remaining 11.7% had not yet decided about it. Most of them(78.8%),believed that vaccine would be available to public next year but at the same time half(50.1%) of them believe that it may not be in sufficient amount for everyone to get. More than 50% were willing to pay for the vaccine and 72% felt vaccine should first be given to health workers and high risk group.ConclusionThe following study has helped to understand the percentage of people who are hesitant to take the vaccine and also the concerns regarding the vaccine. Also since half of the population is willing to pay for the vaccine, a strategical approach considering the various economical classes of people could be applied in a developing country like India.

IntroductionThe world is not on track to achieve the goals for immunization coverage and equity described by the World Health Organization’s Global Vaccine Action Plan. In India, only 62% of children had received a full course of basic vaccines in 2016. We evaluated the Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI), a campaign-style intervention to increase routine immunization coverage and equity in India, implemented in 2017-2018.MethodsWe conducted a comparative interrupted time-series analysis using monthly district-level data on vaccine doses delivered, comparing districts participating and not participating in IMI. We estimated the impact of IMI on coverage and under-coverage (defined as the proportion of children who were unvaccinated) during the four-month implementation period and in subsequent months.FindingsDuring implementation, IMI increased delivery of thirteen infant vaccines by between 1.6% (95% CI: −6.4, 10.2%) and 13.8% (3.0%, 25.7%). We did not find evidence of a sustained effect during the 8 months after implementation ended. Over the 12 months from the beginning of implementation, IMI reduced under-coverage of childhood vaccination by between 3.9% (−6.9%, 13.7%) and 35.7% (−7.5%, 77.4%). The largest estimated effects were for the first doses of vaccines against diptheria-tetanus-pertussis and polio.InterpretationIMI had a substantial impact on infant immunization delivery during implementation, but this effect waned after implementation ended. Our findings suggest that campaign-style interventions can increase routine infant immunization coverage and reach formerly unreached children in the shorter term, but other approaches may be needed for sustained coverage improvements.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation.