Results of the expanded program on immunization in the Macedonian refugee camps

Objectives. This report summarizes the results of the Macedonian refugee ca mps' Expanded Program on Immunization. Methods. Government agencies and nongovernmental organizations implemented an immunization program consisting of 3 mass vaccination campaigns in each of the 7 camps. Before the second mass campaign, weekly immunization clinic s were initiated in each camp. Children younger than 48 months were immuniz ed against 8 antigens according to a schedule established by the Macedonian Ministry of Health. Results. Immunization coverage rates in the second campaign were 91% in Ceg rane and 73% in Brazda. Coverage rates of the weekly clinics averaged 93%. Conclusions, Initiating an expanded immunization program in the absence of a stable population is problematic.