Conceptual Framework for Immunization of Phiman Primary Care Unit

Abstract

           Immunization through vaccination to prevent disease is necessary and very important to reduce
morbidity and mortality in children. Children’s illnesses not only affect the children themselves and their
family, but also the society and the nation as well. This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework
for immunization in order to reduce morbidity and death rates among children in Phiman primary care
unit of Satun Hospital, Stun Province, Thailand. A concept was developed from a review of relevant
literature and models by integrating three standards in immunization work which included: (1) vaccine
management standards and cold chain systems, (2) quality standards for vaccination services, and (3)
standards for recording information in the immunization work; together with the application of systems
theory including inputs, processes, and results, in the context of the Phiman primary care unit. The study
was conducted during December 2020 to May 2021. There were 490 samples of children guardians,
health care volunteers, teachers of child development centers, Islamic leaders and Phiman PCU staff. The
results of the study after the implementation of the conceptual framework revealed that the knowledge,
attitude, awareness of vaccination and satisfaction with immunization services for newborns were all in
creased, particularly the knowledge and attitude which were significantly improved (p<0.01). Thus, the
framework should be wider utilyzed in order to properly manage child vaccination program which will
eventually protect children from vaccine preventable diseases. In addition, the framework can become a
component for developing policies related to the management of immunization clinics