Lessons from a school-based vaccination response following a Diphtheria outbreak in eThekwini district, SA.

A diphtheria outbreak occurred in eThekwini district, South Africa between April and May 2018, affecting vulnerable children and adolescents. The health authorities responded by implementing a school-based vaccination campaign to increase coverage in the affected area. The study documents that while school-based vaccination can rapidly boost vaccine coverage during outbreaks, additional community engagement strategies may be needed in populations hesitant about vaccines.

Key points

• Diphtheria is a life-threatening respiratory tract infection that causes outbreaks in susceptible populations
• A school-based outbreak vaccination response was initiated to target vulnerable children and adolescents
• School-based outbreak vaccination response can rapidly increase vaccine coverage
• Additional community engagement may be required in vaccine-hesitant populations

Limitations

The document provides only a brief abstract without detailed outcome data, study methodology, or specific coverage rates achieved. It does not explain what community engagement strategies were tested or how effectiveness was measured.