Mass Immunization Programs - The Four Elements

The first stage of mass vaccination campaigns involves planning. Partners, agencies and organizations must work together and be completely supportive of one another if a campaign is to function properly. Communication is extremely important, as is flexibility and being open to new solutions or different ways of doing things. Coordination involves having a firm plan on how to reach populations and budgeting accordingly is crucial. Who will do what is clearly laid out and everyone is aware of their responsibilities.

The second element that needs ample consideration in a massive campaign is the trip a vaccine will take from its birthplace to the individual receiving the life-saving immunization. For the measles vaccine, this journey is commonly referred to as the 'Cold Chain,' as the vaccine must remain cold the whole trip, from laboratory to child's arm. Sufficient supply needs are again covered in this stage of the campaign, and the planning of the transportation route of the vaccine to its vaccination post solidifies clearly.

The logistics of having a vaccine reach an individual also includes creating the demand segment of a supply-and-demand situation. Individuals need to come to the vaccination post to receive immunization, which is not always an easy task. Some groups of population avoid being vaccinated at all costs, hiding out or simply refusing to be immunized. On the other hand, sometimes the vaccination campaign works so well, individuals from outside the targeted area travel to posts to be immunized and coverage reaches statistics of over 100%. The measles vaccine supply needs are often estimated to be 10% over the population of the targeted group.

Social mobilization is the third element in a successful immunization campaign. Getting word of the impending vaccinations out there to the population isn't always easy, as communication in underdeveloped countries is often by word-of-mouth only. Workers and volunteers spread the word about the importance of immunization and use neutral symbols (such as the Red Cross emblem) to instil trust. Education about the safety of vaccination is important, and those involved in spreading the word do their best to set superstitions, myths and false rumors to rest.

The last element of mass immunization is the follow-up phase, where organizers and agencies take in the statistical elements of success and failure. Being able to prove beyond a doubt that their humanitarian efforts had clear success in reducing the death rate of preventable diseases is the strongest weapon organizations will gain. The information also goes a long way to laying rumors to rest and dispelling myths that keep mothers from bringing their children to vaccination posts. Having clear proof that immunization keeps people alive and healthy is the key to making sure mass immunization campaigns are successful.

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