Late vaccination reinforcement during a measles epidemic in Niamey, Niger (2003-2004).
Low measles vaccination coverage (VC) leads to recurrent epidemics in many African countries. We describe VC before and after late reinforcement of vaccination activities during a measles epidemic in Niamey, Niger (2003-2004) assessed by Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS). Neighborhoods of Niamey were grouped into 46 lots based on geographic proximity and population homogeneity. Before reinforcement activities, 96% of lots had a VC below 70%. After reinforcement, this proportion fell to 78%. During the intervention 50% of children who had no previous record of measles vaccination received their first dose (vaccination card or parental recall). Our results highlight the benefits and limitations of vaccine reinforcement activities performed late in the epidemic.
Dubray
Christine
C
Epicentre, 8 rue Saint Sabin, 75011 Paris, France. Christine.Dubray@epicentre.msf.org
Gervelmeyer
Andrea
A
Djibo
Ali
A
Jeanne
Isabelle
I
Fermon
Florence
F
Soulier
Marie-Hélène
MH
Grais
Rebecca F
RF
Guerin
Philippe J
PJ
D002675:Child, Preschool; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D007223:Infant; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009548:Niger / Q000453:epidemiology; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012494:Sampling Studies; D014611:Vaccination
D008458:Measles Vaccine