RESUMEN
PIP: An investigation was done to estimate the cost per immunization contact for routinely available vaccination services in Colombia, and to compare these figures with the incremental costs for the additional immunization contacts resulting from the 1984 National Vaccination Campaign. Some 636,000 doses of DPT were given to infants during the campaign's 3 vaccination days. Nearly 190,000 infants received a 3rd dose of DPT on those days. Approximately 98,000 infants began and completed their DPT immunization schedules on the vaccination days. % of infants covered, however, remains uncertain. Infant coverage in 1983 was around 42-44%. The coverage survey showed 66.7% of the infant population covered with DPT by the time of the survey (November/December 1984) but only 50% covered on the actual vaccination days. Infant coverage for polio was 44%, and for measles, 43%. Having national immunization days increased routine immunization program costs by 120%, a substantial amount. In terms of program cost and impact, the national prerequisites for success are probably more related to general development of the necessary communication than to the health sector's physical infrastructure. The national campaign could conceivably eclipse the continuous multipurpose routine services--detracting not only from their immunization efforts but from other preventive and promotional activities.^ieng