Vaccination status of children aged 12-23 months in the Mosvold health ward of KwaZulu.

Using the random cluster sampling technique of the EPI, 210 children of 12-23 months were selected and their vaccination records were examined. Fifty-one (24%) had no vaccination record and 32 of them (15%) were never vaccinated. Using a 'worst' and 'best' estimate analysis it was found that 74-83% had had BCG, 47-56% had had 3 doses of DPT, 48-57% had had 3 doses of polio and 47-56% had had 1 dose of measles vaccine. Between 28-31% of those who received a first dose of DPT or polio vaccine did not receive a third dose. This 'drop-out' effect increased with increasing distance between children's homes and the nearest clinic, as did vaccination coverage in general. As a result of this study, several measures will be undertaken to improve health care delivery in this area. These include the organisation of a mass immunisation campaign later this year, the initiation of more mobile clinics and the training of community health workers.