Evaluation of expanded program on immunization during the first year of life in Abu Dhabi

This study was intended to highlight the program of vaccination in the first year of life against the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)-target diseases and to determine the trend of these diseases in Abu Dhabi during 1984-1989. The data were collected from annual reports of Ministry of Health. This retrospective study pointed out to the following results: (1) The average vaccination coverage (percent) during the first year of life against EPI-Target diseases increased gradually during 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989. (2) The vaccination coverage (percent) during the first year of life using BCG and measles vaccines are increased significantly (p < 0.001) during 1985-1989 compared with 1984. (3) The vaccination coverage (percent) during the first year of life using OPV and DPT at the third dose are increased significantly (p < 0.05) during 1987-1989 compared with 1984. (4) The reported cases of measles and its incidence rate consequently decreased during 1988-1989 compared with 1987 and the differences are statistically significant (p < 0.001). The reported cases of diphtheria and its incidence rate show significant increase (p < 0.01) during 1988 compared with 1984. Other EPI target diseases do not show any statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) during 1985-1989 compared with 1984. Based on this study it can be concluded that with increase in average vaccination coverage (percent) from 58.5% in 1984 to 82.9% in 1989, the number of reported cases of EPI target diseases decreased.