Missed opportunities for immunisation in Natal health facilities

The World Health Organisation currently recommends that preventive measures be promoted at every contact with health services. However, there is still no uniform policy on immunisation currently implemented at curative health facilities in Natal. Surveys of missed opportunities for immunisations in four health facilities in Natal revealed that, even in those with an immunisation policy, many opportunities are still being missed. The reasons for this included a lack of emphasis on preventive measures by health workers, reluctance to open vaccines for only a few children, and vaccines not being immediately to hand. It is recommended that a firm policy be implemented in Natal, with regular self-evaluation by the health facilities.