Abstract
Background In 1995, Egypt continued to experience endemic wild poliovirus transmission despite achieving high routine immunization coverage with at least three doses of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV3) and implementing National knmnunization Days (NIDs) annually for several years. Methods Parents of 4188 children in 3216 households throughout Egypt were surveyed after the second round of the 1995 NIDs. Results Nationwide, 74% of children are estimated to have received both ND) doses, 17% one NID dose, and 9% neither NTD dose. Previously unimmunized (47%) or partially immunized (64%) children were less likely to receive two NID doses of OPV than were fully immunized children (76%) (P < 0.00 1). Other risk factors nationwide for failure to receive ND) OPV induded distance from residence to nearest NED site >10 minute walk (P < 0.001), not being informed about the NH) at least one day in advance (P < 0.00 1), and residing in a household which does not watch television (P < 0.001). Based on these findings, subsequent NIDs in Egypt were modified to improve coverage, which has resulted in a marked decrease in the incidence of paralytic poliomyelitis in Egypt. Conclusions In selected situations, surveys can provide important information that is useful for planning future NIDs.