Community Engagement Strategies

Situational Analysis

• Discuss plans with colleagues in staff meetings for better collaboration.
• Involve the District Health Management Team (DHMT) for technical and material support.
• Engage community leaders such as chiefs and village elders for local guidance and support.

Community Engagement

• Meet with community members to disseminate crucial information about available health services, including schedule and venue.

Implementation

• Ensure punctuality and reliability during planned activities to foster trust and effectiveness.

Evaluation

• Regularly check performance against set objectives to assess progress and impact.

Missed Opportunities for Immunization

• Occur when eligible clients do not receive the vaccines they qualify for at health facilities.
• Common reasons include:
  • Health facilities not offering immunization services.
  • Health workers failing to screen clients properly.
  • Incomplete vaccine administration due to shortages.

Strategies to Reduce Missed Opportunities

• Identify missed opportunities through health facility records and immunization cards.
• Conduct surveys to measure the frequency of missed opportunities.
• Check immunization status of children (0-23 months) and pregnant women during facility visits.
• Avoid false contraindications such as minor illnesses; true contraindications, like a history of convulsions, should be respected.
• Ensure all eligible clients possess and present immunization cards during visits.
• Maintain thorough documentation of all administered vaccines.
• Ensure ample supply of necessary stationery and regularly update immunization data through graphs and charts.

Role of County Supervisors

• Provide regular monthly vaccine supplies and manage repairs of immunization equipment.
• Conduct routine laboratory testing of vaccine samples as necessary.
• Facilitate immunization coverage surveys and assist in health education.
• Offer support through regular supervisory visits to encourage health workers.

Organizing Immunization Activities

• Use census figures to determine the total catchment population and target population for immunization.
• Monthly vaccine requirements should consider:
  • Minimum stock levels of two weeks.
  • Total dosages needed per vaccine, factoring in wastage.
  • Actual doses used in the previous month for each antigen.
• Example monthly averages:
  • BCG: 1 dose
  • Oral Polio (OPV): 4 doses
  • Pentavalent: 3 doses
  • Rota Virus: 3 doses
  • IPV: 1 dose at 14 weeks
  • PCV: 3 doses
  • Measles: 2 doses

Vaccine Wastage

• Factors include leftover vaccines from vials, vaccines in syringes, and expired supplies.
• Understanding monthly immunization targets aids in forecasting vaccine needs and evaluating coverage.

Monthly Requirement Calculation

• For a target population of 6,000, the requirement would be 750 doses of BCG considering wastage:
  • Calculate as (6000 / 12) + (6000 / 12) / 2 = 750 doses needed.

Vaccine Storage Policies

• Conditions for safe storage and potential reuse include:
  • Vaccines not past their expiry date.
  • Appropriate cold chain conditions maintained.
  • Proper techniques used in drawing vaccines to avoid contamination.
• Reconstituted vaccines must be used or discarded within six hours.

Evaluation of Immunization Activities

• Conduct evaluations monthly, quarterly, and annually to assess whether targets are met.
• Questions to evaluate include:
  • Frequency of held immunization sessions.
  • Vaccine and supply availability.
  • Adequacy of human resources.
  • Maintenance of cold chain and recording of refrigerator temperatures.
  • Comprehensive screening for immunization needs.
  • Documentation of antigen doses administered (e.g., BCG, OPV, Measles).
  • Monitoring drop-out rates and overall coverage effectiveness.