Context:
Ensuring that all children are fully immunised continues to be a challenge in Uttar Pradesh. Fear of the side effects of vaccination (AEFI) is one of the primary reasons for this – the child developing a fever or swelling due to vaccination are some of the main reasons for dropping out.
Field insights reveal that while a mother always wants to protect her child from any kind of illness, she is not able to see the consequences of non-compliance ie. outweigh the temporary side effects of life-threatening diseases.
Purpose:
The purpose of the ‘Suraksha Chakra tool’ is to present a persuasive argument that emphasizes the greater risk posed by life-threatening diseases compared to temporary side effects.
The tool helps instil a sense of risk perception in the minds of the beneficiaries by highlighting the dire consequences of missing even a single dose of immunization. The Suraksha Chakra tool employs a creative visual representation, symbolizing complete vaccination as an encompassing “chakra” or safety ring/net that shields the child from harm. In contrast, incomplete vaccination or missed doses result in a broken safety net, leaving the child vulnerable to disease-causing germs, bacteria, and viruses. This visualization serves as a powerful reminder of the potentially life-threatening diseases that can affect the child when immunization is not complete.
Target Groups:
Parents of 0-2-year-old children
Key Messages:
Ensuring full immunization is critical to safeguard children in their early years, as incomplete immunization exposes them to life-threatening diseases.
Duration:
4 minutes
Required Resources:
Surakhsha chakra tool
How to Use:
Step 1:
- Remove the Suraksha Chakra from the envelope and read aloud what is written on the back of the envelope.
- Explain the different parts of the tool: the outer part symbolizes fatal diseases, the internal circle represents vaccines given to children, and the picture of the child is in the centre as a reminder.
Step 2:
- Hold the safety wheel upright, with the front facing the audience.
- Discuss how sometimes children may experience fever after receiving a vaccine, which can lead to parents skipping subsequent vaccinations.
Step 3:
- Emphasize the importance of getting all doses of vaccines.
- Point to the outer circle on the card and explain that it represents deadly diseases that can harm the child.
- Show the inner circle and explain that it represents the vaccine doses that act as a “Suraksha Chakra” protecting the child from life-threatening diseases.
- Move the red or purple unit to the left to demonstrate the consequences of missing a single dose of the vaccine.
