MMR immunisation status among Dublin paediatric A&E attenders

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.