Childhood vaccination in a squatter area of Manila: coverage and providers

In 1988 a vaccination coverage cluster survey was performed in a squatter area of Manila, Philippines. 24% of the surveyed children (aged 1-2 years) were fully immunized and 19% not immunized. 60% of the children were vaccinated through private organization. The dropout rates of these children were significantly lower than those of the children vaccinated through governmental agencies. This suggests that services have to be provided by agencies that are based in the squatter area. Efforts for improved coverage should focus on lowering the high dropout rates and strengthening coordination between the governmental and the various private health agencies that provide vaccination service in this squatter area. The survey also indicated approaches to strengthening collaboration between different service providers.