Gibson, Dustin
Public Health
PhD
Kenya
Predictors of Immunization Coverage and Analysis of Pilot Study data
A pilot study was conducted to assess feasibility of using a mobile phone based system to send text messages and provide conditional cash transfers to improve vaccination timeliness. A grant is being submitted to fund a village-randomized control trial based off of successful pilot study. My research will answer several questions that are needed to conduct the RCT Immunizations are one of the most effective health interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality. In developing countries, DTP3 coverage is used as a surrogate to measure strength of immunization system. However, a high DTP3 coverage does not necessarily imply that children are being vaccinated in a timely fashion and in accordance with WHO schedules. Timeliness is important for two reasons; first, Hib and pertussis disease are often seen in early life and secondly, there are increased safety risks with delayed rotavirus immunization. Late vaccination reduces the maximum benefit vaccines afford.