Achieving 95% uptake in an immunisation programme--not an impossibility

This study sought to document uptake rates achieved for vaccinations administered in a School Immunisation Programme in a school year. In a population of 6436 children uptake rates of more than 95% were achieved for all the vaccines administered, except MMR in the 6th class cohort for which 94.7% was the uptake figure. The success of the programme was attributed to the fact that the programme was the responsibility of a dedicated team, which facilitated the active follow-up of all defaulters as identified by the comprehensive database made available by the schools. Avoidance of deferral for minor illness was also a key factor.