Abstract

PIP: Jet injection was 1st introduced into Brazil's smallpox eradication program in 1965 following field studies in Amapa Territory that confirmed the effectiveness of this technique. Between January 27-February 15, 1965, vaccination teams vaccinated 53,654 people in this territory, representing 89% of the target population. Local personnel with limited training were able to operate the jet injectors with few problems. Vaccination take rates were significantly higher both in primary vaccinees and revaccinees when the jet injectors as opposed to the conventional multiple pressure technique was used. Take rates ranged from 81-90% in the various villages, and there were only 2 complications reported. An average of over 600 vaccinations could be performed per hour with jet injection and total man-hours expended were 1/3 the number involved in the traditional technique. The cost per vaccination was estimated to be US$0.022 for the jet injector technique compared with 0.067 for the multiple pressure approach. Overall, the experience in Amapa Territory indicates that jet injection has obvious advantages, including a reduction in manpower needs, a reduction in transportation needs, increased efficiency, and a reduction in vaccine needs. For best use of the equipment, priority should be given to urban areas.