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MMR vaccine uptake rates: a data validation study
S Ghebrehewet1, M Falconer, P McDonald
1Communicable Disease Unit, Countess of Chester Health Park, Cheshire & Merseyside Health Protection Team, Public Health Laboratory, Liverpool Road, Chester CH2 1UL. samuel.ghebrehewet@nwhpa.nhs.uk
Abstract:
As part of our investigation into the decrease in the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake rates, we validated MMR vaccination records of all children born between 01/09/1998 and 31/08/1999 in our area (North Cheshire, South Cheshire, and Wirral). A significant number of children had received their MMR vaccine but were not recorded as such by the Child Health Computer System (CHCS). Reported COVER (cover of vaccination evaluated rapidly) data uptake (combined) for North Cheshire, South Cheshire, and Wirral Health Authorities for the period covered by the data validation study was 90.5%, the corrected uptake following the validation was 92.6%, 2.1% higher than the reported coverage. If the coverage data were to continue to form part of the NHS indicators of PCT performance, action by all PCTs to improve accuracy of immunisation data would be highly desirable. Electronic transfer of information from practices to the CHCS and between CHCSs, i.e. across boundaries, could improve data accuracy.
Insights
Many children received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine but were not recorded in the Child Health Computer System (CHCS). This data validation study found corrected MMR vaccine uptake was 2.1% higher than initially reported.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Vaccination Monitoring
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake rates have been observed to decrease.
- Accurate vaccination records are crucial for monitoring public health and identifying vaccination gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination records for children born between 01/09/1998 and 31/08/1999 in North Cheshire, South Cheshire, and Wirral.
- To assess the accuracy of the Child Health Computer System (CHCS) in recording MMR vaccinations.
- To determine the true MMR vaccine uptake rate in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- Validation of MMR vaccination records for a specific birth cohort (01/09/1998 - 31/08/1999).
- Comparison of validated records against reported COVER (cover of vaccination evaluated rapidly) data.
- Analysis of discrepancies between recorded and actual MMR vaccination status.
Main Results:
- A significant number of children had received the MMR vaccine but were not accurately recorded in the CHCS.
- Reported MMR vaccine uptake was 90.5%, while the corrected uptake after validation was 92.6%.
- The data validation revealed a 2.1% increase in MMR vaccine coverage compared to initially reported figures.
Conclusions:
- The Child Health Computer System (CHCS) may not accurately reflect actual measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake.
- Improving the accuracy of immunisation data is essential, especially if used for NHS performance indicators.
- Electronic data transfer between practices and CHCS, and between different CHCS systems, could enhance data accuracy.