Preliminary data from the current COVID-19 pandemic indicate that immunization coverage rates are declining during the outbreak, likely due to the additional burden on the health system and reluctance to visit health facilities. To help policymakers make critical decisions around safely providing routine outreach immunization during the COVID-19 outbreak, ThinkWell, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, estimated the additional cost per dose of conducting outreach services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania and Indonesia.
ThinkWell estimated the additional cost per dose, accounting for several changes to immunization outreach delivery strategies. Measures were costed for implementation at low, medium, and high-intensity levels, and the cumulative cost of implementing several measures together was also estimated.
The illustrative findings of the study demonstrate the potential impact that changes due to the COVID-19 response can have on the cost of delivering outreach immunization services in low- and middle-income countries. The report will help policymakers define the optimal mix for their specific country context and needs.
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