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Gaps in reported and validated immunization coverage

We need a Functional Vaccine Delivery Mechanism to keep vaccine coverage high

Multiple injections on the same day

Using mobile phones for immunization delivery

Issue 4, 25 May 2009

Editorial Note

RK Sood invites reader responses on the gaps in reported and validated immunization coverage. With regard to the debate on introducing new vaccines, he emphasises the need to prioritise use of limited funds and suggests that coverage criteria be established before their introduction. Omesh Bharti introduces the concept of a Functional Vaccine Delivery System. Introduction of new vaccines has sometimes triggered a fall in existing coverage rates, he cautions.

Additionally, readers share new documents related to administering multiple injections on the same day.

Robert Chen opens up discussion on using new technology for immunization delivery. Readers can also read a detailed overview of how digital technology is being used for health surveillance under the Web Highlights.

Robert Steinglass requests readers to share unpublished documents on sex disparities and gender-related barriers in the demand and supply of immunization.

Gaps in Reported and Validated Immunization Coverage
by RK Sood

The recent reports of NFHS/DLHS reinforce the gap between the reported coverage and validated coverage, which is cause for concern. Whereas health managers react with denial and mistrust to the survey reports, we need to revisit and review the aggregate reporting system, which leaves a lot of space for bogus entries.
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We Need a Functional Vaccine Delivery Mechanism to Keep
Vaccine Coverage High

Older essential vaccines should be given a thrust through strengthening of primary health care. You stated that money is not a problem - May I suggest that we put our money on mere essentials like filling vacant posts of health workers.

... at the decision level (we) need to work more to make vaccines accessible, and take measures like posting more health workers, making their service conditions better and so on. In India, half of the sub centres do not have staff; in that case who is going to administer the vaccines? Further, one fourth of the centres are located at a distance of more than 10 km from the nearest habitation. Who would go all this distance to get vaccinated? These are the issues that need solutions.

... Another problem is that in states like Himachal Pradesh, which had very high coverage, the rates have actually gone down after the introduction of the new Hepatitis-B vaccine. So, introducing newer vaccines where coverage is good is not a universal recipe to follow.
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Multiple Injections on the Same Day

Jean Clare Smith and Ann Kempe share additional reference material.
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Using Mobile Phones for Immunization Delivery
by Robert Chen

This issue of HIV & AIDS Treatment in Practice compiles examples of how mobile phones in developing countries are being used creatively to advance public health. I suggest we compile similar examples in immunization programs.
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	Web Highlights:
		Call for unpublished documents (addendum): role of gender
		Digital Disease Detection- Harnessing the Web for Public Health Surveillance
		'Malaria deaths occur where political power ends'

	Vacancies:
		Chief Immunization, New York, UNICEF
		Health Specialist, Indonesia, UNICEF

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