In the past, immunization programmes have focused primarily on rural a
reas. However, with the recognition of the increasing numbers of urban
poor, it is timely to review urban immunization activities. This upda
te addresses two questions: Is there any need to be concerned about ur
ban immunization and, if so, is more of the same kind of rural EPI act
ivity needed or are there specific urban issues that need specific urb
an strategies? Vaccine-preventable diseases have specific urban patter
ns that require efficacious vaccines for younger children, higher targ
et coverage levels, and particular focus to ensure national and global
eradication of poliomyelitis. Although aggregate coverage levels are
higher in urban than rural areas, gaps are masked since capital cities
are better covered than other urban areas and the coverage in the poo
rest slum and periurban areas within cities is as bad as or worse than
that in rural areas. Difficult access to immunization services in ter
ms of distance, costs, and time can still be the main barrier in some
parts of the city. Mobilization and motivation strategies in urban are
as should make use of the mass media and workplace networks as well as
the traditional word-of-mouth strategies. Use of community health wor
kers has been successful in some urban settings. Management issues con
cern integration of the needs of the poor into a coherent city health
plan, coordination of different health providers, and clear lines of r
esponsibility for addressing the needs of new, urbanizing areas.