Mass vaccination campaign following community outbreak of meningococcal disease

Emerg Infect Dis. 2002 Dec;8(12):1398-403. doi: 10.3201/eid0812.040421.

Abstract

During December 12-29, 1998, seven patients ages 2-18 years were diagnosed with serogroup C meningococcal disease in two neighboring Florida towns with 33,000 residents. We evaluated a mass vaccination campaign implemented to control the outbreak. We maintained vaccination logs and recorded the resources used in the campaign that targeted 2- to 22-year-old residents of the two towns. A total of 13,148 persons received the vaccinations in 3 days. Vaccination coverage in the target population was estimated to be 86% to 99%. Five additional cases of serogroup C meningococcal disease occurred in the community during the year after the campaign began, four in patients who had not received the vaccine. The cost of control efforts was approximately $370,000. Although cases continued to occur, the vaccination campaign appeared to control the outbreak. Rapid implementation, a targeted approach, and high coverage were important to the campaign's success.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Community Health Services / economics
  • Community Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Florida / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mass Vaccination / economics
  • Mass Vaccination / statistics & numerical data*
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / epidemiology*
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / prevention & control
  • Meningococcal Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Meningococcal Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Public Health / economics

Substances

  • Meningococcal Vaccines