title: Effect of an immunisation campaign in Natal and KwaZulu on vaccinaton coverage rates, 1990-1991.
abstract: In 1990 the Department of National Health and Population Development of South Africa launched a nationwide immunisation campaign targeted mainly at measles. In order to measure the effect of the campaign on vaccination coverage rates for children, pre- and post- campaign vaccination coverage surveys were undertaken using a modified Expanded Programme for Immunisation technique, stratified for race and urban/rural residence. The results in KwaZulu-Natal showed no significant increase in measles vaccination coverage for any race rates after the campaign (as documented by Road-to-Health cards). There was a decrease in coverage of the black population. However, when a history of measles vaccination was accepted, the results showed an increase in coverage. The results call into question the effectiveness of immunisation campaigns as a strategy for raising vaccination coverage levels, as well as their having a sustained impact on the incidence of measles. Alternative strategies, such as the strengthening and expansion of existing primary health care services, should be considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health, University of Natal, Durban.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Dyer
authors.forename: K N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Naidoo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mjekevu
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Munro
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000592:standards*; D007223:Infant; D008457:Measles / Q000517:prevention & control*; D044469:Racial Groups; D013019:South Africa; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*