Description

Immunization coverage is a key measure of immunization system performance

The following pages provide information on the methods, materials and tools used to measure or estimate immunization coverage, and on immunization coverage at the country level based on data reported by countries

Learning opportunity

An e-learning module describes how to monitor immunization coverage, the ways to assess data quality, and how to interpret and use that data for action. The course takes about 2 hours and can be found here. Then 1) Select “log in” in upper right. 2) Register as a guest. 3) Enter “immunization data” in the top search window to locate the course.

Methods

• the administrative method using reported routine immunization data, i.e. registry system of doses administered
• immunization coverage surveys using survey methods recommended by WHO. Surveys should be conducted periodically (3-5 years)

Some countries have estimated their sub-national and national coverage using administrative and survey data, with similar methods as those of the WHO UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (see tab 5 of this page). Refer to resources below to see an example from India.

The Data Quality Self-Assessment (DQS) is a flexible toolbox of methods used to evaluate different aspects of the immunization monitoring system at district and health unit (HU) levels

Results and data

• Information reported by country: coverage figures are provided in the WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form (JRF) by national authorities using one or both methods described above