An evaluation of the national measles vaccination campaign in the new shanty areas of Khayelitsha.

A local component of the national measles vaccination campaign was evaluated in an area undergoing rapid urbanisation near Cape Town. Four serial cross-sectional cluster samples were used. Proven vaccination coverage before the campaign was 55.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 46-66%), immediately afterwards it was 71.1% (95% CI 65-77%), and 6 months later 73.6% (95% CI 67-80%). The increase was not sustained among Transkei-born children. Significant determinants of vaccination coverage were: place of birth (chi 2 = 9.7; 2 df; P = 0.008); less than or equal to 6 months stay in Cape Town (odds ratio (OR) 2.22; 95% CI 1.2-4.0%); and home birth (OR 3.21; 95% CI 1.2-8.4%). The value of campaigns in controlling measles, as well as the role of a comprehensive health care service are discussed.