Economic analysis of the 1996-1997 mass measles immunization campaigns in South Africa.

To evaluate economic implications of conducting a "catch-up" measles vaccination campaign, we conducted an economic analysis of the 1996-1997 measles immunization campaign in two provinces of South Africa comparing the baseline two-dose routine immunization program to the combined vaccination strategy (routine two-dose immunization program, plus the 1996-1997 campaign). The study findings indicate that the 1996-1997 mass measles immunization campaign was cost-effective in both study provinces, and cost-saving in the province with higher pre-campaign disease incidence and lower routine vaccination coverage. An early investment in effective vaccination strategies that rapidly reduce disease burden apparently results in better returns, both epidemiologically and economically.