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Immunisation status of children in the eastern Bay of Plenty
Insights
Childhood immunisation rates in eastern Bay of Plenty were assessed. Many children did not complete their recommended vaccine schedule by age two, indicating a need for improved public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood immunisation is crucial for disease prevention.
- Monitoring vaccination coverage is essential for public health surveillance.
- Understanding immunisation gaps informs targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunisation status of children in the eastern Bay of Plenty region.
- To identify the extent of adherence to recommended childhood vaccination schedules.
Main Methods:
- A survey of general practitioner records and case notes was conducted.
- Data included resident children aged 5–29 months over a two-year period.
- Immunisation timeliness was assessed against expected schedules.
Main Results:
- 91% received 6-week vaccines, 88% at 3 months, and 81% at 5 months.
- Second-year immunisation uptake was lower: 72% for measles/MMR and 61% for 18-month vaccines.
- 43% of two-year-olds had not completed the full immunisation schedule.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of children in the study area did not receive timely or complete immunisations.
- Factors contributing to incomplete vaccination were identified.
- Strategies to enhance immunisation uptake are discussed.
Aim:
To assess the status of immunisation of children in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Method:
Survey of general practitioner records and case notes of all resident children born over a period of two years and aged from five to 29 months. Immunisation was considered up to date if received within a reasonable period of the expected time.
Results:
One thousand five hundred and ninety-three children were studied (97% of those known to be resident). The six week immunisations were received by 91%, 88% received the three month, and 81% the five month vaccines. Delivery of second year immunisation was much less successful, only 72% receiving measles or MMR vaccine despite publicity about a current measles epidemic and 61% the eighteen month vaccines.
Conclusion:
Forty-three percent children of two years of age had not received the full recommended immunisation schedule. Some of the contributing factors were identified and measures that could improve immunisation uptake are discussed.