Experience in independent monitoring of the polio immunization campaign

Abstract

Relevance. The article describes the practical experience of participating in the independent monitoring of the fifth round of supplementary immunization against poliomyelitis in October 2010 in the Republic of Tajikistan, where the largest outbreak in the WHO European Region occurred, caused by an imported wild poliovirus type 1 from India.

Aim. To summarize the experience of independent monitoring for assessing vaccination coverage, identifying unvaccinated children, and optimizing safety measures in the field.

Materials and Methods. The experience of active identification of unvaccinated children in organized groups, at markets, on the streets, in private households, and among the nomadic population using the method of fingernail marking with a black marker is described. The forms of independent assessment of the immunization campaign are presented.

Results. An analysis of coverage was conducted, and the reasons for non-vaccination were identified. Over four days of work in this region, we actively interviewed 302 children. In 31 children, there was no vaccination mark; 20 children were unvaccinated. Children who had no vaccination mark were vaccinated on the spot. Also, issues of ensuring the safety of the epidemiologist in the field when traveling to regions with an elevated level of danger were considered.

Conclusion. The marking method allows for objective assessment of coverage and avoids the use of paper documentation among the nomadic population. A timely responsive vaccination campaign can contain a large-scale outbreak, but the ultimate global eradication of poliomyelitis requires the resolution of political and social issues.