Combining cluster surveys to estimate vaccination coverage: Experiences from Nigeria's multiple indicator cluster survey / national immunization coverage survey (MICS/NICS), 2016-17

Vaccine. 2020 Sep 3;38(39):6174-6183. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.05.058. Epub 2020 Jul 11.

Abstract

In 2015 immunization stakeholders in Nigeria were proceeding with plans that would have fielded two nationally representative surveys to estimate vaccination coverage at the same time. Rather than duplicate efforts and generate either conflicting or redundant results, the stakeholders collaborated to conduct a combined Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) / National Immunization Coverage Survey (NICS) with MICS focusing on core sampling clusters and NICS adding supplementary clusters in 20 states, to improve precision of outcomes there. This paper describes the organizational and technical aspects of that collaboration, including details on design of the sample supplement and analysis of the pooled dataset. While complicated, the collaboration was successful; it yielded a unified set of relevant coverage estimates and fostered some novel sub-national results dissemination work.

Keywords: Cluster survey; Immunization; Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS); Nigeria; Pooled data; Vaccination coverage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Immunization Programs
  • Immunization*
  • Nigeria
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vaccination
  • Vaccination Coverage*