Evaluation of the effectiveness of immunization delivery methods.

Scientific evidence documenting the effectiveness of immunization delivery methods was summarized using the generic approach developed by the Community Health Practice Guidelines Working Group. The delivery methods examined were those for the adult and childhood vaccines of influenza, pneumococcal infection, hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus-polio. Based on a critical appraisal of 54 eligible comparative studies, the effects of different interventions were obtained and pooled effects were calculated for delivery methods oriented to the client, the provider and the system. The results indicate those interventions found to be most effective for each vaccine. This review of the scientific evidence of the effectiveness of immunization delivery methods provides a base for policy development and assists in the planning of resource allocation.