Introducing the new schedule--a health board's experience

On 1st October 1990 a revised primary immunisation schedule was introduced throughout Scotland. Following a review of current practice, Argyll and Clyde Health Board adopted a distinct implementation strategy. A questionnaire study of the 461 likely providers of primary immunisations or advice was performed to review this process. Sixty-four percent responded within 21 days. Over 90% were satisfied with the information supplied on the change. Almost equal proportions of immunisers were using 2, 4, 6 and 2, 3, 4 month schedules. The commonest sources of immunisation advice were the Health Board Immunisation Manual and the JCVI 'Green Book'. Twenty percent of responders volunteered that primary immunisation should have some statutory basis. The outcome of this change in terms of reduced morbidity and increased vaccine uptake will require active monitoring through concomitant changes in general practice remuneration make this difficult. The role of the Standard Immunisation Recall System requires re-examination.