TABLE.

Precautions to Facilitate the Implementation of the Measles Campaign in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic in South Sudan

Thematic AreaSpecific Amendment in the Context of COVID-19 Disease
MicroplanningThe microplanning templates were modified to include provision of the necessary resources for the prevention and control of COVID-19 infections.
The duration of the campaign was extended from 7 to 10 days.
The anticipated average number of children to be vaccinated per team each day was reduced from 100 to 70.
TrainingThe measles supplemental immunization activity training materials were updated to include information on COVID-19 prevention.
A combination of virtual and in-person training sessions were used to provide cascade training for national and subnational trainers, supervisors, and health care workers.
In-person trainings were conducted with fewer participants (10–20 participants) and the appropriate safeguards, including face masks, hand sanitizer, and physical distancing. Practical sessions on preventing COVID-19 transmission at the site of service delivery were done.
Service deliveryFixed and temporary static vaccination sites were established in open areas with sufficient ventilation and enough space to allow physical distance while queuing for services.
To bring services closer to the community, more outreach and mobile services were conducted in temporary posts in the villages.
Infection preventionEach member of the immunization team received enough masks and hand sanitizers to use 1 each day for 10 days. All health personnel and volunteers were encouraged to wear face masks, and those administering immunizations were urged to disinfect their hands between clients.
Clients were encouraged to wear masks, including improvised cloth masks when proper masks were not available. Volunteers encouraged clients to sanitize or wash their hands at vaccination sites that had handwashing facilities.
At each vaccination site, clients were screened for high temperatures using infrared thermometers. In vaccination sites where there was no infrared thermometer, health care workers screened individuals by asking for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and/or difficulties in breathing.