Serogroup A meningococcal conjugate (PsA-TT) vaccine coverage and measles vaccine coverage in Burkina Faso—Implications for introduction of PsA-TT into the Expanded Programme on Immunization

Abstract

BackgroundA new serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT, MenAfriVac™) has been developed to combat devastating serogroup A Neisseria meningitis (MenA) epidemics in Africa. A mass immunization campaign targeting 1–29 year olds was conducted in Burkina Faso in December 2010. Protection of subsequent infant cohorts will be necessary through either introduction of PsA-TT into the routine Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) or periodic repeat mass vaccination campaigns. ObjectivesTo inform future immunization policy for PsA-TT vaccination of infants through a comparison of PsA-TT campaign vaccination coverage and routine measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage in Burkina Faso. MethodsA national survey was conducted in Burkina Faso during December 17–27, 2011 using stratified cluster sampling to assess PsA-TT vaccine coverage achieved by the 2010 nationwide immunization campaign among 2–30 year olds and routine MCV coverage among 12–23 month olds. Coverage estimates and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated, reasons for non-vaccination and methods of campaign communication were described, and a multivariable analysis for factors associated with vaccination was conducted. ResultsNational overall PsA-TT campaign coverage was 95.9% (95% CI: 95.0–96.7) with coverage greater than 90% all 13 regions of Burkina Faso. National overall routine MCV coverage was 92.5% (95% CI: 90.5–94.1), but ranged from 75.3% to 95.3% by region. The primary predictor for PsA-TT vaccination among all age groups was a head of household informed of the campaign. PsA-TT vaccination was more likely in residents of rural settings, whereas MCV vaccination was more likely in residents of urban settings. ConclusionOverall national vaccination rates in Burkina Faso were similar for PsA-TT and MCV vaccine. The regions with MCV coverage below targets may be at risk for sub-optimal vaccination coverage if PsA-TT is introduced in EPI. These results highlight the need for assessments of routine vaccination coverage to guide PsA-TT immunization policy in meningitis belt countries.