This analysis estimates the potential additional operational cost of an immunization campaign held during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many mass immunization campaigns have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but some campaigns will nevertheless need to go ahead, with additional precautionary measures in place to minimize COVID-19 transmission and ensure the safety of health workers and the community. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ThinkWell has estimated the added cost per dose of several potential precautionary measures: personal protective equipment (PPE) for vaccination teams, additional infection prevention and control (IPC) measures at immunization sites, extra staff and supplies to ensure physical distancing and triaging at campaign sites, additional per diems due to potential changes in delivery strategies, and estimates of an increase of other operational cost components (such as additional social mobilization and training). The analysis uses data from 10 studies on the cost of conducting an immunization campaign to model each scenario at a low, medium and high intensity level, as well as the combined effect on the cost per dose.
This is an update of a report published on the 14th of May. This update reflects newly published guidance from WHO on the implementationImplementation aims to develop strategies for available or new health interventions in order to improve access to, and the use of, these of campaigns in the context of COVID-19.