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A prospective study of immunisation for a cohort of children
1General Practice Department, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago. gp@wnmeds.ac.nz
Insights
High rates of childhood immunisation are achievable in general practice settings. An effective recall and support system improved vaccination coverage by 24 months of age.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- General Practice
Background:
- Childhood immunisation is crucial for preventing infectious diseases.
- General practices play a key role in delivering immunisation services.
- Monitoring immunisation rates and associated costs is essential for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess immunisation rates by 24 months of age in a Wellington general practice cohort.
- To determine the frequency of child recalls for immunisation.
- To calculate the cost of immunisation per child.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 979 children aged 9-24 months across 27 general practices.
- Data collection included immunisation status, recall frequency, and demographics.
- Follow-up of children remaining with practices and those who left.
Main Results:
- 82% of children remained with their general practice until 24 months.
- 74% of the total cohort and 85.3% of those who stayed were fully immunised by 24 months.
- 54% achieved full immunisation with a standard recall process; average cost was $13.33 per child.
Conclusions:
- High childhood immunisation rates are attainable within general practice.
- Effective facilitation and support systems are key to successful immunisation programs.
- General practices can achieve optimal vaccination coverage with appropriate strategies.
Aims:
To determine rates of immunisation by 24 months of age, the number of times children were recalled and the cost of immunisation for a cohort of children in general practices in Wellington.
Methods:
A prospective study of 979 children registered with 27 general practices. Children in the cohort were followed from 9-24 months old. Data collected included immunisation status, the number of times children were recalled and demographic data.
Results:
At the end of the study period (when children reached 24 months of age) 803 (82%) remained with the practices and 176 (18%) had left. At 24 months 724 (74%) of the total cohort and 685 (85.3%) of registered children who stayed with the practice were fully immunised for the early childhood vaccinations. 54% of the cohort were fully immunised after a standard recall process. The average cost per child immunised was $13.33.
Conclusion:
It is possible to achieve high rates of full immunisation in children registered with a general practice using an effective system of facilitation and support.