A campaign to increase the vaccination rate in a highly endemic tick-borne encephalitis region of Slovenia

Abstract

Slovenia is one of the countries with the highest incidence of thick-borne encephalitis (TBE) (13.5/100,000) and has one of the lowest immunisation rates (3.1%). Gorenjska (approximately 10% Slovene inhabitants) is a region of Slovenia with the highest incidence (30/100,000). The Institute of Public Health Kranj in collaboration with Lions club Brnik and mayors of the municipalities initiated a campaign aimed to improve the vaccination rate. By obtaining funds that covered the expenses for the vaccination team we managed to reduce the price of vaccination by 30%. The vaccination events were held on Saturdays in primary schools of the towns/villages with the highest TBE incidence. Over the course of the 12 events, 5599 doses were injected. Most of people (92%) were vaccinated for the first time with two doses. In addition, we offered free-of-charge vaccinations for 850 children from socially underprivileged families. The charity project added a significant increase to the number of protected persons.