Role of health communications in Russia's diphtheria immunization program
Porter, R.W.; Steinglass, R.; Kaiser, J.; Olkhovsky, P.; Rasmuson, M.; Dzhatdoeva, F.A.; Fishman, B.; Bragina, V.
Journal of Infectious Diseases 181 Suppl. 1: S220-S227
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1899 PMID: 10657218 DOI: 10.1086/315566Document Number: 310357
As part of a broader program in health communication assistance, project staff from Basic Support for Institutionalizing Child Survival worked with staff from Russia's oblast (regional) public health agencies to design and implement communication activities supporting local diphtheria immunization efforts. Because aggressive community outreach efforts and strong administrative sanctions had already achieved impressive adult coverage rates for first doses of diphtheria toxoid vaccine, communication interventions emphasized the need for second and third doses. Outcomes were assessed through vaccination coverage data and more qualitative measures. In one project site, the increase in adult coverage (two or more doses) was very modest. In a second site, with a stronger communications component, coverage increased significantly (from 20% to 80%). Although it is not possible to disentangle completely the effects of communications from other aspects of oblast immunization programs, these and other outcome data suggest that health communications can play an important role in Russia's ongoing mass immunization efforts.