World Health Organization Vaccination Coverage Cluster Surveys: Reference Manual

Over time, Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) coverage surveys have increased in complexity, matching the evolution of the EPI since its inception in 1974. Although many of the previous surveys were likely done well, their implementation was often not thoroughly documented and the methods used were open to criticism. This document updates previous versions of the EPI coverage survey manual, focusing on methods to reduce bias, and improve the accuracy and precision of survey results.

This manual is for ministries of health (such as immunization programme managers, communicable disease epidemiologists and surveillance officers) and their partners who are considering an EPI coverage survey, and is one of several current and forthcoming tools to help countries conduct high-quality immunization surveys.