EVALUATION OF MEASLES VACCINATION PROGRAM CONDUCTED IN 2 SEPARATE HEALTH CENTERS

Measles vaccination programmes at two vaccination centres in Ibadan, Nigeria were evaluated using the following factors as indicators: type of vaccination centre, age at vaccination, titre of vaccine, economic, health and social status of vaccinee. There was a significant association between type of vaccination centre, vaccine titre and rate of conversion. Seroconversion rates of 64 and 26% were obtained in the two vaccination centres. This was associated with the difference in the method of vaccine handling during vaccination in the centres. Higher prevalence of maternal antibody was found among children with longer breast feeding period. Results obtained suggest that the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) against measles is not effective, especially in rural health centres, because of improper vaccine handling. Recommendations on how to improve measles vaccination in the EPI are highlighted.