Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome elimination activities: Colombia, 2005-2006

As part of regional commitments in the Americas aimed at elimination of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, and consolidation of measles elimination, Colombia conducted mass vaccination of males and females aged 14-39 years in 2005-2006. The target population included 18,238< 443 persons (44% of the entire population). Vaccination activities were extended because of limited participation and public concerns about vaccine safety. Over a 10-month peroid, 17,697,717 doses of measles-rubella vaccine were administered, reaching 97% of the target population, including 96.4% of females and 97.6% of males. Estimated coverage exceeded 95% in 33 of 36 departments and districts, and in 3 others, it ranged from 92% to 95%. In rapid monitoring conducted in 504 (45%) of 1119 municipalities, 95% of persons in the target population were vaccinated. The Colombian experience underscores the importance of social mobilization at the local level, political commitment, and microplanning and offers lessons for future mass vaccination campaigns.