Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

9.6K

Improving preterm infants' immunisation status: a follow-up audit

Nigel W Crawford1, Charles Barfield, Rod W Hunt

  • 1SAEFVIC, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|December 31, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A simple reminder system and education improved vaccination rates for preterm infants, a high-risk group. This audit successfully closed the loop on previous suboptimal immunisation status.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Preterm infants face higher risks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • A previous audit in 2007 revealed suboptimal immunisation coverage in this vulnerable population.
  • Addressing these gaps is crucial for protecting infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-audit the immunisation status of preterm infants.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving vaccine uptake.
  • To complete the 'audit loop' by assessing changes since the 2007 audit.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective follow-up audit was conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital.
  • Interventions included a reminder sticker system and feedback to healthcare professionals.
  • Immunisation records were obtained from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register for infants born <32 weeks gestation.

Main Results:

  • The majority of preterm infants (96%) were up-to-date with routine immunisations by 12 months.
  • Receipt of the hepatitis B vaccine at 12 months increased 2.4-fold compared to the previous audit.
  • Influenza vaccine uptake also improved in preterm infants with chronic lung disease.

Conclusions:

  • A straightforward reminder system coupled with educational strategies significantly enhances vaccine delivery for high-risk groups like preterm infants.
  • These interventions are effective in improving immunisation coverage in special populations.
  • Closing the audit loop demonstrates the success of targeted quality improvement initiatives.
Abstract

Keywords:
auditimmunisationneonatology

More Related Videos

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus13:00

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus

Published on: July 31, 2021

3.3K
Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

21.1K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
1.2K
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
4.7K
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
44.1K
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
65
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
61
Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
12.3K