Comparison of Vaccinated Versus Unvaccinated Children Among Measles Cases Presenting to A Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of vaccinated and unvaccinated children among measles cases and to compare age, gender, and nutritional status between the two groups.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at Combined Military Hospital Sialkot from 2^nd February 2026 to 31^st March 2026, vide letter No. CPSP/REU/PED-2022-149-7509 dated 2^nd February 2026. A total of 323 children aged 15 months to 5 years with confirmed measles were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Vaccination status was verified through immunization records.

Results: There were 128 (39.6%) vaccinated and 195 (60.4%) unvaccinated. The mean age was significantly higher in vaccinated children (3.12±1.05 years) compared to unvaccinated children (2.66±1.14 years) (p = 0.021). Gender distribution showed no significant difference (p = 0.332). A significantly higher proportion of unvaccinated children had moderate and severe acute malnutrition compared to vaccinated children (p<0.001).

Conclusion: A higher proportion of measles cases were unvaccinated, and unvaccinated children were more likely to have poor nutritional status. Strengthening immunization coverage is essential to reduce measles burden.

Keywords: Measles, Malnutrition, Pediatrics, Vaccination, Z-scores