Brazil’s national immunization program provides vaccines included in the recommended immunization schedule through the Unified Health System [Sistema Unico de Saúde (SUS)], Brazil’s public health system. State governments have autonomy to purchase and provide vaccines not included in the national immunization program through the state immunization program. Bahia, with a population of 13.6 million inhabitants, ranks fourth most populous among Brazil’s 27 selleck inhibitor states (including the Federal District) and had an annual

estimated health budget of US$ 1.5 billion in 2010 [6]. In February 2010, MenC-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenC-TT, Neisvac-C®, Baxter Vaccines) was introduced into the routine infant immunization schedule in the state of Bahia, Brazil, with financing from the state government. After August, 2010, infants began receiving MenC-CRM197 selleck chemicals llc conjugate vaccine (Novartis Vaccines), which was provided to all states for universal infant immunization through Brazil’s national immunization program. The recommended schedule in all state immunization programs was two doses in the first year of life (either at 2 and 4 months or 3 and 5 months of age), followed by one dose in the second year of life (at 12 or 15 months). Catch-up vaccination was provided for children younger

than two years Unoprostone of age in most states. In the state of Bahia, catch-up vaccination included children younger

than five years; one dose of MenC was recommended for those at least 12 months of age in February 2010. In addition, the state of Bahia purchased 1,876,863 doses of MenC-TT in 2010 to control the epidemic of meningococcal serogroup C disease in Salvador, the state capital and most populous city (estimated population 2,676,606, 21% of the state population). MenC-TT vaccine was used for mass vaccination of persons 10–19 years old in May and June 2010. In August 2010, the state government received 447,983 doses of MenC-CRM197 from Brazil’s national immunization program, which were used for mass vaccination of persons 20–24 years with a single dose. Children 5–9 years of age were not vaccinated. MenC vaccination was offered at 52 vaccination posts throughout the city. Vaccination was offered on Saturday and Sunday at the beginning of each phase to minimize disruption of normal vaccination services. Social mobilization focused on the first two days of vaccination for each age group. Due to poor turnout among 20–24 year olds in 2010, vaccination was offered for persons in this age group during the second weekend in February 2011, and at large universities the following week. MenC doses administered by age group at each vaccination post were reported to the immunization unit of the Salvador municipal health department.