Results of the expanded program on immunization in the Macedonian refugee camps.
OBJECTIVE
This report summarizes the results of the Macedonian refugee camps' Expanded Program on Immunization.


METHODS
Government agencies and nongovernmental organizations implemented an immunization program consisting of 3 mass vaccination campaigns in each of the 7 camps. Before the second mass campaign, weekly immunization clinics were initiated in each camp. Children younger than 48 months were immunized against 8 antigens according to a schedule established by the Macedonian Ministry of Health.


RESULTS
Immunization coverage rates in the second campaign were 91% in Cegrane and 73% in Brazda. Coverage rates of the weekly clinics averaged 93%.


CONCLUSIONS
Initiating an expanded immunization program in the absence of a stable population is problematic.
Koop
D G
DG
School of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. darryl.koop@prodigy.net
Jackson
B M
BM
Nestel
G
G
D002675:Child, Preschool; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012036:Refugees; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*