The second campaign for poliomyelitis vaccination in the eastern province: Different strategy with similar success

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether the change from the door-to-door strategy of administering the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to designated vaccination points has led to less than optimal vaccination coverage. Methods : The Second Bi Annual Poliomyelitis Vaccination ended on 28 Rajab 1417N (9 December 1996G). To minimize the high cost in terms of staff and fi­nancial resources, the local authority in the Eastern Province offered the vacci­nations at various primary health and commercial centers, schools and private hospitals. The WHO cluster sampling technique was used to conduct a survey in the Al-Khobar and Qatif areas to verify the percentage coverage using the new strategy. Results : A total population of 1399 including 644 adults and 755 children (317 Al-Khobar, 438 Qatif) was surveyed. There were 153 children aged less than 5 years in Al-Khobar and 179 in Qatif Of these, 148 (96.7%) in Al-Khobar were vaccinated compared to 179 (100%) in Qatif. Only 5 of the eligible children were not vaccinated, two of whom were Saudis and three non-Saudis. Conclusions : The study shows an overall percentage coverage of 98.4 in the Eastern Province which is well above the WHO's minimal 80% target for success. This method of vaccination at assigned points may be used in areas where the lit­eracy rate is high and public cooperation is at a maximum.