MMR immunisation status among Dublin paediatric A&E attenders
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A W Murphy1, R Power, D M Kinlen
1Health Information Unit, Eastern Health Board, Dr. Steeven's Hospital, Dublin.
Insights
Opportunistic measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation in paediatric A&E departments can boost vaccination rates. Socioeconomic factors showed little association with MMR uptake in Dublin children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Public Health
- Vaccinology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination is crucial for child health.
- Assessing MMR immunisation status and uptake is vital for public health initiatives.
- Understanding socioeconomic factors influencing vaccination is key to improving coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the need for opportunistic MMR immunisation among children attending paediatric A&E departments in Dublin.
- To investigate the relationship between MMR immunisation status and socioeconomic factors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A two-month cross-sectional study involving 337 children aged 15 months to 5 years attending three Dublin paediatric A&E departments.
- Survey data collection and comparison with Eastern Health Board (EHB) records.
- Small area and multiple regression analysis of socioeconomic factors based on participant addresses.
Main Results:
- 66% of children had a history of MMR immunisation; EHB records indicated 39% were immunised.
- 30% reported no history of MMR immunisation, with one-third citing no specific reason for omission.
- No significant association was found between eligibility for the GMS and failure to immunise.
- Little association was observed between immunisation uptake and socioeconomic factors through regression analysis.
Conclusions:
- Implementing opportunistic MMR immunisation in A&E departments can significantly increase overall vaccination uptake.
- Improving parental knowledge regarding measles implications and vaccine effectiveness is necessary.
- Enhancing data quality and accessibility of computerised child health systems in A&E departments is recommended.
Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to establish the need for opportunistic MMR immunisation among paediatric A&E attenders to the three Dublin paediatric hospitals and to examine the relationship between immunisation status and socioeconomic factors. Design was that of a two month cross sectional study. Survey data was then compared with information on the Eastern Health Board (EHB) records system. Small area and multiple regression analysis of socioeconomic factors derived from participants addresses was also performed. Subjects were 337 children who attended these departments and were aged between fifteen months and five years. For 66% of cases there was a history of MMR immunisation, 30% gave a negative history and 4% did not know. Of those giving a negative history, one third said immunisation had been omitted for no specific reason. EHB records suggested that 39% were immunised, 41% were not and 20% were not on file. Eligibility for the GMS was not associated with failure to immunise. Small area and multiple regression analysis showed little association between immunisation uptake and socioeconomic factors. An opportunistic MMR immunisation policy in A&E Departments would make an important contribution to increasing overall uptake figures. Parental knowledge of the implications of measles and the effectiveness of immunisation needs to be improved. Computerised child health systems must have high data quality standards and access to these systems should be made available in A&E departments.