Abstract
There have been tremendous improvements in immunization coverage since the Expanded Programme on Immunization was launched. We highlight inherent challenges in measuring immunization coverage with precision as coverage levels increase due to the sensitivity of coverage to the accuracy of target population estimates. In fact, when comparing across groups at high levels of coverage, error in target population estimates can obscure differences in immunization coverage.
Highlights
Immunization coverage levels are presented as the percentage of a target population that has been vaccinated
A review of the Table 1 shows that when true coverage is 50% (Country C), for example, 50 of the 100 children in the target population are vaccinated, but coverage calculated from the estimated target population may be as low as 45% (50/110) or as high as 56% (50/90), the range shown in Column (6)
When one looks at the upward trend in coverage across countries in the Figure 1, coverage level increases from 10% to 20% which are not obscured by the error in the target population estimate
Summary
When the Expanded Programme on Immunization was launched in 1974, less than 5% of the world’s children were immunized during their first year of life against polio, diphtheria, tuberculosis, pertussis, measles and tetanus [1]. Even in the presence of perfect recording and monitoring of the number of children vaccinated, there are inherent challenges in measuring immunization coverage with precision as coverage levels increase due to the sensitivity of coverage to the accuracy of target population estimates. Immunization coverage levels are presented as the percentage of a target population that has been vaccinated.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
