Primary immunisations in Liverpool. II: Is there a gap between consent and completion?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Childhood immunisation is crucial for disease prevention.
• Coverage rates for routine immunisations vary and are influenced by sociodemographic factors.
• Specific challenges exist in achieving high immunisation coverage in urban populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between sociodemographic factors and the completion of primary childhood immunisation courses in Liverpool.
• To identify specific antigens with lower uptake rates and explore reasons for non-completion.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of immunisation records for children in Liverpool.
• Statistical examination of associations between immunisation status and child's sex, family position, family type, migration status, and area deprivation.
• Analysis of parental consent rates for pertussis immunisation.

Main Results:

• Only 68% of children completed their primary immunisation course by age two.
• Pertussis immunisation coverage (74%) was lower than other antigens (85-89%).
• Children with older siblings, single parents, recent migration, or living in deprived areas had lower completion rates. Boys were less likely to be fully immunised against pertussis, linked to consent rates.

Conclusions:

• Sociodemographic factors significantly impact childhood immunisation completion in Liverpool.
• Lower pertussis vaccine uptake is partly due to parental consent issues and practical barriers.
• Achieving immunisation targets requires flexible, targeted strategies, including improved access and increased parental consent efforts.